When I first arrived in Japan, I didn’t know anyone, but I wanted to experience the food.  So, I would often go to restaurants alone.  I struggled at first, because often time the waiter would not come up to me and ask if I was ready to order.  I was very confused.  “Did they not want to serve a gaijin?”  “Did I do something wrong?”  Sometimes I waited a very long time before finally ordering food!

I finally figured out that I had to call the person over when I was ready to order.  Even after I figured this out, it was still a struggle for me.

In America, when visiting a restaurant, usually the waiter or waitress will come to your table and ask, “Are you ready to order?”  If you are, you go ahead and order.  If not, they usually come back in a couple minutes to check on you.

In America, it can be viewed as rude to ask over the waiter.  It’s like saying, “You’re not doing your job, now come over here and take my order” or maybe, “Hey, you forgot about me.  I’m hungry!”  Only when I feel that I have waited too long to place my order, will I call over the waiter.

In Japan, this is not rude.  It’s very normal.  For an American who is visiting Japan for the first time, you may notice that he or she may hesitate to ask the waiter over to order. Americans might be more afraid to call over the waiter or waitress until they get used to the culture more.

If you are planning to visit America or are going to eat with a friend who just arrived in Japan, this might be something fun to pay attention to.

Any similar experiences?

“I’m shocked” – “I was shocked” – etc.

This is a phrase I often hear, here in Japan.  I think many English learners don’t realize the level or power of the word “shocked”.

The dictionary defines “shock” as:  ”to strike or jar with intense surprise, horror, disgust, etc.”

“Shock” is the most surprised a person can be.  It’s one of the highest levels!  Often, we use “shock” for negative things.  There are exceptions, but I think it’s a good general rule to use.  To give you an example, when I do an image search on Google for “shock,” here is what I come up with:

When I search for “surprised,” here is what I find:

Can you see the difference?

So, if you tell an American, “What you said really shocked me,” they might think they offended you or said something that had a large, negative impact on your life.

Most of the time you probably want to use “surprised.”  Save “shock” for the BIG things.

“Went to the hospital” – “In the hostpital” – etc.

This phrase is perfectly OK and very true in Japan.  But, if you say this to a foreigner who isn’t familiar with Japan, they might be surprised.  This is because most of the time, in America, the hospital is used for very serious situations only:  Car accidents, major surgery, life threatening situations, etc.  So, to an American, “My son is in the hospital,” is VERY serious.  If you say this to a foreigner, they might become VERY concerned or worried.

For routine things like medical checks or minor things like a stomachache or cold, Americans say, “I went to the doctor.”  Even if the doctor is located in the hospital, we still use “doctor”.  We save, “I went to the hospital” to express very serious situations.

“Are you OK?”

In America, this is a phrase used to ask someone who might have been harmed mentally or physically.  It’s not a phrase used for requests or asking if someone understands a situation or question.

For example, if you invite your American friend to a movie and say, “Let’s go to a movie at 7.  Are you OK?”  Your friend might be surprised, “Huh, yea, I’m good.  Why?”  It’s because they think that you believe there is a problem.

Instead, try, “Let’s go to a movie at 7.  Does that sound OK?” or “Does that sound good?”

A correct way to use “are you OK”:  You see that your friend is very sad.  Maybe crying.  So, you will ask her, “Are you OK?  What’s the matter?”

“Bless you”

This is a cultural difference, but interesting and good to know if you have foreign friends or plan on traveling to America.

In America, when someone sneezes it’s very common to say, “bless you”, “God bless you”, or “gesundheit.”  It’s viewed as a polite thing to say after someone sneezes.  Even with a complete stranger; in a public place.  In fact, it can sometimes be viewed as rude if it is not said.

Why do we say it?  There a few differently beliefs.  But, many say that it’s believed the heart stops while sneezing.  Saying, “bless you” is a way to ensure the person comes back to life.

New forigners in Japan may be surprised when they don’t hear a “bless you” after a sneeze.  For other foreigners who have lived here a long time, you may surprise them and get a big “THANK YOU” if you say it to them after they sneeze.  Try it!  They’ll love it and feel more at home!

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Here are some general rules:

Holiday

Holiday is a day or many days, which many American do not have to go to work.  These days are set by the U.S. government.  Government employees and many ordinary business employees don’t go to work.

Major U.S. Holidays:

New Years – January 1st

Martin Luther King Day – January 16th

Presidents Day – February 20th

Memorial Day – May 28th

Independence Day – July 4th

Labor Day – September 3rd

Columbus Day – October 8th

Veterans’ Day – November 22nd

Thanksgiving Day – November 22nd

Christmas Day – December 25th

Vacation

Vacations are special days taken by individuals, companies, or organizations.  Vacations are usually many days away from work, in a row.  Many companies give their employees 2 week paid vacations.  The employee can choose when he or she wants to use these days.

For example,

If my family and I are planning a week trip to the ocean, I will ask my boss, “Can I take a week vacation?”  I’m the only one who will not be going to work.  My co-workers will still go to work.  So, I will tell my co-workers, “I’m going on vacation.  I’ll see you in a week.”

Also, in America it’s common for schools to have two weeks away for Christmas and 3 months away during the summer.  We call these, “Christmas vacation” and “Summer vacation”.

Day Off

“Days off” are used for your normal work schedule or just one or two days away from work.

For example,

“I don’t have to work on the weekends.  Saturday and Sunday are my days off.”

“Can I take the day off tomorrow?  It’s my son’s birthday and he wants to go to Disneyland.”

It’s also common to just say, “off”.  For example, “I have tomorrow off” –  ”I have the weekends off” –  ”Which days do you have off?”

Common Mistake:

I often hear English learners use “holiday” when, in America, they should use “day off”.  For Americans, weekends are not holidays.  This is a normal work schedule so, it’s common to say, “I have the weekends off”.  In America, we DO NOT SAY, “Saturday and Sunday are my holidays.” “Holiday” is for special national days.

Hope this helps!  Please don’t forget to share this by clicking one of the “like” buttons at the top!

Let me know if you have any questions!

“Please teach” is different than 教えてください

In English we use teach in educational situations.  For example, “The professor will teach me English”.

We do not use “teach” for other situations.  For example, we DO NOT say, “Please teach me where the restaurant is” OR “Please teach me your phone number”.  This is not correct.

Instead, for these situations, “tell me” is a common phrase used.  For example, “Can you tell me where the restaurant is” OR “Please tell me your phone number.”

“I’m waiting for your reply”

This is not a common phrase in English and I recommend using other phrases.  This phrase can actually sound a little impatient or may give the reader the impression that you are annoyed.  In general and in most cases, this phrase is too strong.

Instead, depending on the situation, try some of these:

“I look forward to hearing from you”
“I look forward to hearing from you soon”
“I hope to hear from you soon”
“I look forward to your response”

These responses politely let the reader know you would like a prompt reply or that you are excited to receive a reply from them.  These are all very common ways to end a formal email.

“Should” vs. “Must” & “Have to”

Native English speakers use “should” for recommendations.  For example, “You should come see the movie with us” OR “You should go see the cherry blossoms in Kyoto this year.”  These are just friendly suggestions.

“Must” and “have to” are for things that NEED to be done.  For example, “You must go to school today” OR “I have to go home now.”  These are not suggestions, but actions that need to happen usually to avoid unpleasant consequences.

“Interesting” vs “Funny”

Sometimes these two words can be used interchangeably, but for the most part, and for beginners, I think it’s important to know the difference.

The most common meaning of “funny” is to cause laughter or be amusing.  For example, “I love that comedian!  He is so funny!”

The second meaning of “funny” is strange.  For example, “He is a very funny looking man.”

“Interesting” on the other hand is for things that grabs and holds your mental attention.  Something that is mentally intriguing.  For example, “I like to read about different cultures.  I think it is very interesting.”

“Fun” vs “Funny”

Think of “fun” as enjoyable.  ”We had fun at the park yesterday”

Think of “funny” as laughing.  ”He is a really funny guy.  He’s always making us laugh”

Let me know if you have any questions!

オンライン英会話を選ぶ理由
一般的な英会話教室ではなく、オンライン英会話を選ぶのは何故ですか？まずはその理由を自分に尋ねてみて下さい。仕事や生活が忙しく、学習の時間が早朝や深夜、あるいは職場でしか取れないからですか？あるいは、単に利便性を求めているのでしょうか。

もし、ただ「楽だから・・・」という理由でオンライン英会話を選んだ場合は、もう少し深く考えてみる必要があります。

逆に、多忙なスケジュールの中で「何とか英語学習を上達させたい！」と考えている場合であれば、オンライン英会話は最も正しい選択肢だといえるでしょう。時間に自由がきく上、手頃な値段で質の高いプロの講師を見つけることができるからです。

やる気と学習意欲

オンライン英会話は、 一般の教室と比べてリーズナブルな値段で始める事ができます。これは、しっかりと自制心を持ち、レッスンを休まずに続けられる人にとっては大変良いことで すが、逆に英語学習へのやる気に欠ける人にとっては、危険なことにもなりかねません。オンライン英会話は受講料やキャンセル料が安いこともあり、学習への 意欲が低い生徒にとってはレッスンを休むのが簡単だといえるでしょう。このような生徒に限っては、高価な授業料を払って通う英会話教室の方が良い選択とな るかもしれません。

講師のクオリティ
イ ンターネットを通して英会話学習をすすめる場合、質やレベルの低い講師による指導しか期待できない、と考えている方が多いようです。しかし実際には、オン ライン上には大変優れた英語講師が数多く存在しており、幅広い選択肢の中から自分に合った講師を見つけることが大いに可能です。

一 般の英会話教室では、あなたの地域に住んでいる講師だけに限られてしまうため、自分にピッタリ合った講師を見つけるのはなかなか難しいことだと言えるで しょう。インターネット上にはこのような限られた地域性は存在しませんし、世界中から集まるクオリティの高い講師達が、教室ではなくオンライン指導を選ん でいるというケースもあります。しかし、またその一方で、オンライン上には質の低い講師たちが溢れているのも事実です。ですから、まずはじっくりと時間を かけて、あなたのやる気と能力を高めてくれる、自分にピッタリの講師を見つけることが大切です。

Ease of Travel

English is widely spoken all over the world. The more and more I travel I realize how lucky I am to know English. It seems no matter where I go, I can always get what I need and most of the time, what I want, through English. Major tourist places always have staff that speak and understand English. Also, many other travelers speak English. If you speak English you can relax knowing there will be others you can get help from, if you need it. If you’re relaxed when traveling, chances are you will want to do it more!

Making New Friends

Whether you’re traveling or staying in your home country, having the ability to speak in English will allow you to communicate with others you weren’t able to communicate with before. Interactions with foreigners will strengthen your perspective, appreciation, and knowledge of the world. More human connection is always a good thing!

Access to More Information

Whether it’s books, media, television, or movies, having a good understanding of the English language will open your world to an endless supply of information and knowledge. Now with technology and the Internet, you can easily access information from all over the world. Many of these resources are in English. Sure, there a several free translators out there, however the quality is still very low. It’s still very important to be able to read the information and understand it for yourself.

Get That Promotion or Transfer You’ve Been Dreaming of

If you know English you will be more valuable to your company. Often high positions require a working knowledge of English. More opportunities will be offered to you when your supervisor is confident with your English speaking skills. If there are opportunities of international transfers or short international assignments, your chances of being offered one of these opportunities is far greater with English.

Grow Your Business

If your business is already very successful, you might ask yourself, why learn English? With English you can easily expand your business into new markets. Depending on your business, there may be opportunities waiting for your online. Being online allows business owners to easily break distance and border barriers, allowing them to compete in countries they never thought possible. English is the number one language of choice for users of the Internet. With over 536 million English speaking users, chances are you will be able find new opportunities for your business abroad.

Personal Growth

Find reward from taking on a new challenge and being successful. English can be difficult to learn mainly due to the fact, just like any other language, it requires a lot of time. It requires one who is committed and is able to find the resources they need to help them get to where they want to be. You may find English a little difficult at first, but I promise you, you will find great reward from what English can do for you!

So, why learn English? There are many reasons!

かっこいい英単語を学ぶ理由：

１．自己表現に役立つ
かっこいい英単語は、会話を楽しくしてくれます。多くのフレーズを知ることで、英語での自己表現がしやすくなるため、あなたの意見や感情を相手に的確に伝えることができます。また、相手の興味を引くだけでなく、自分の性格や人間性を伝えるために大変役立ちます。

２.かっこいい英単語を通して人々を理解する

よく使われる単語を知ることによって、周囲への理解を深めることができます。多くの言い回しを知っていると、ネイティブがあなたに伝えようとしていることが理解できるだけでなく、彼らがどんな性格や生き方をしている人達なのかを知ることができます。さらに、かっこいい英語のフレーズの中には地域性を強く反映するものもあり、特定の地域で使われているものや、異なる用法で使われるものがありますから、使用するかっこいい英単語から出身地が分かることもあります。

3.楽しく学べる
英語を勉強している時、文法や堅苦しい文語表現には飽きてしまうこともあるでしょう。もちろん、これらの知識は英語学習に際に重要な部分ですが、時には息抜きとして、カジュアルな言い回しや会話で役立つ表現を学んでみるのも良いでしょう。かっこいい英語のフレーズなら覚えやすいし、楽しく身につけることができます。

しかし、各フレーズの意味や定義を知ったとしても、その半分程度を理解した事にしかなりません。かっこいい英語の言い回しを使いこなすには、その背景にある文化や感情フィーリングを理解することがとても大切です。あなたの周りにネイティブ英語教師や友人がいれば、学んだフレーズへの理解が深まるだけでなく、どういった状況で使い分けるかのアドバイスを得ることができます。また、かっこいい英語の言い回しはカジュアルな場面で使われることが多く、これらの言い回しを使ってはいけない状況についても知っておくことも大切です。

最後に、かっこいい英語へのフレーズへのより深い理解を得るためには、映画やラジオ、ネイティブスピーカーの友人や英語教師による使用例にどんどん触れることが重要です。これらの言い回しを何度も耳にすることによって、いつ・どこで・どのように使用すべきなのかを自然と身につけていくことができるでしょう。

Here are some good phrases you don’t need to be so careful with:

“Hang on” – This is said when you are requesting someone to wait for a short period of time.  Very common to use on the phone too.  It is usually casual.

“Hang on.  I need to find my keys before we leave.”

On the phone:

“Can you hang on for a minute?  I need to find a pen and paper to write this information down.”

“How’s life?” – This is a great thing to say to a friend you haven’t seen for a while.  It’s a more serious question than “How’s it going?”  It usually means that you want to hear more details about what has been happening in the person’s life.

“I haven’t seen you for a couple months!  How’s life?”

“Talk to you later” – A great way to say “goodbye” if you will be seeing the other person soon.

“I’m going to go get lunch then come back here.  I’ll talk to you later.”

“I’ll call you back tonight.  Talk to you later.”

“No problem” - a great way to let someone know that you aren’t angry, mad, annoyed, etc.

John:  ”I’m so sorry I was late!”

Mike:  ”No problem!  Let’s get something to eat!”

“Not bad / Pretty good” – Means average or so, so.  Not amazing, but not terrible.

Cindy:  ”How was the movie last night”

Harry:  ”Not bad.  I enjoyed it, but I probably won’t see it again.”

Cindy:  ”Hi Harry!  How’s life?”

Harry:  ”Not bad.  I’ve been working as usual, but I’m thinking about taking a vacation soon.”

“Take care” – A way to say goodbye.  Similar to “ki wo tsukete”

“See you tomorrow.  Take care!”

オンライン英会話

After living in Japan for some time and trying to learn Japanese, I can understand this. However, I still think it’s important to listen every day to the language even if you don’t understand a word. Listening and slowly being able to copy is a great way to improve English intonation.

Why improve English intonation?

There is so much more to a language than just the words being spoken. Knowing your English vocabulary and grammar is only half of it. A language is like a song with many different tones and stresses for each word in a sentence. It’s important to learn this song.

How to improve English intonation

Don’t worry about understanding the words so much. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry at all about understand the words. That will come with time. What I ask my students to concentrate on is the sounds of English. Listen and pay attention to the different tones, stresses, word lengths, etc. It’s perfectly OK if you don’t understand anything that’s being said!

When listening to natural English conversation being spoken, you will slowly learn the intonation and slowly start to pick it up without much effort. But, it takes time and most importantly, consistency. It’s important to get into a normal routine of listening to English every day. Turn on the radio while washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Watch the English news for thirty minutes before you go to sleep every night. Little things like this done every day, will make a huge difference in your English speaking abilities. You will begin to sound more natural.

Many students study for many years, going to English lessons once or twice a week. This isn’t enough to see real progress or a significant difference in your intonation. You must have a daily routine that involves English. Make simple weekly goals and try to connect your listening and studying to your interests. English is hard enough, but if you connect it with something you love, you will be more motivated to improve English.

10 Ways to improve English intonation by listening:
1. Watch English movies
2. Download podcast news to your iPod
3. Online radio
4. ted.com
5. Watch CNN
6. Watch YouTube interviews with famous people you look up to
7. Listen to your favorite book on audio
8. sharedtalk.com
9. Learn English online – Listen to your country’s news online in English
10. Spend time with a native English friend

“Fly by the seat of your pants” is used to describe how someone makes decisions. The expression means making decisions as you go, not having a plan, but just using your feelings and intuition.

Where does the phrase come from?

You guessed correct!  The expression is aviation based and from what I know, is British.  I’ve heard this expression used many times back at home in California, but was never   aware of how the meaning come to be until I moved to Japan.

I was on an Air Force base in Tokyo and heard a commercial explain it all:  Back in the

old days, pilots didn’t have many instruments to help them fly or navigate with.  They had to depend on their own knowledge of the plane, personal flying experience, and probably most importantly, their intuition.  They felt the plane’s movements through their pants, which was of course touching the pilot’s seat.  The pilot made quick decisions based on the movements felt.  Pilots used feeling and intuition more so than other ways we use today.  They “flew by the seat of their pants”.

So, how do you use it?  Here is an example:

Zack:  ”Do you still want to go on the road trip next weekend?  I’m really excited and want to go!”

Mike:  ”Yea, I would love to go see that area of the mountains.  Let’s go.”

Zack:  ”I think we should sit down tonight with a map and make plans of where to go.  We can find good places to eat along the way, scenic places to take a rest, and find a good hike to do.”

Mike:  ”I don’t know Zack.  I think we should just fly by the seat of our pants.  Road trips are usually much better that way.  I don’t like to plan them out so much.”

Zack:  ”Fine.  I trust we can make something good happen without planning.  Let’s just go and see what we find!”

This expression is very visual.  Think of a drop of water falling into a large bucket of water.  The drop is a small part of the entire bucket of water.

Here is one example:

Maybe you’re trying to raise money for feeding homeless people in your hometown.  You and your friend, Cindy, are standing outside the grocery store trying to collect money from shoppers.

You:  ”Think of how many people need food in this city.  That’s a lot of money!!  The money we are collecting is just a drop in the bucket.  Sometimes I wonder if we are just wasting our time.”

Cindy:  ”We have to be patient.  I know it doesn’t seem like much money, but if we keep working hard, it will add up.  I think we can make a change in this community.”