Latest / Learn Japanese with Fexingo / Japanese At The Bar - Ordering Drinks
Transcript
- Lucas: Hey Luna. Welcome back to another episode of Learn Japanese with Fexingo. Luna: Hi Lucas! I am so ready for this one. We just did the dentist and the pharmacy. That was... intense. Lucas: It was serious business. But today? Today is much more relaxing. We are going to a bar. Luna: Oh, yes. Finally something fun. What do we need to know for a Japanese bar? Lucas: Well, first you need to find a seat. In many izakayas or small bars, you don't have a hostess. You go straight to the counter. Luna: Right to the counter. Okay. How do I ask if there is space there? Lucas: You say: カウンターに席がありますか. Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Luna: Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Is there a seat at the counter? Lucas: Exactly. Let's try it slowly. カウンターに席がありますか.... カウンターに席がありますか. Luna: Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka.... Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Lucas: Perfect. Now imagine you walk up. The bartender looks at you. You say that phrase. They nod and point to a stool. Luna: Great. I sit down. Now what? Do I just shout my order? Lucas: No shouting. It is polite to ask for advice first. Bartenders love giving recommendations. Luna: I like that. So I ask: このお酒、おすすめはありますか. Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka. Lucas: Yes. This alcohol, is there a recommendation? Let's break it down. このお酒. Kono osake. This drink. Luna: Kono osake. And then osusume wa arimasu ka. Recommendation exists? Lucas: Correct. Try it with me. Slowly. このお酒、おすすめはありますか.... このお酒、おすすめはありますか. Luna: Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka.... Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka. Lucas: Spot on. The bartender might say, 'Sake is good tonight.' Or 'Try our local beer.' Luna: Okay, let's say I want beer. How do I order it simply? Lucas: Beer is always safe. ビールを一つください. Bīru o hitotsu kudasai. Luna: Beer o hitotsu kudasai. One beer, please. Lucas: Hitotsu means one. Kudasai means please give. Say it with me. ビールを一つください.... ビールを一つください. Luna: Bīru o hitotsu kudasai.... Bīru o hitotsu kudasai. Lucas: Good. And since you are drinking alcohol, you usually get water too. It is polite to ask. Luna: Right. Hydration is key. お水もお願いします. Omizu mo onegaishimasu. Lucas: Water also please. Let's practice that together. お水もお願いします.... お水もお願いします. Luna: Omizu mo onegaishimasu.... Omizu mo onegaishimasu. Lucas: Excellent. So now you have your beer and water. You chat for a bit. Maybe order some edamame. Then it is time to leave. Luna: Do I call the waiter over? Or wait for them to come? Lucas: In most casual bars, you ask for the bill directly. 会計を教えてください. Kaikei o oshiete kudasai. Luna: Accounting tell me please. That sounds formal but correct. Lucas: It is standard. Kaikei means bill or settlement. Oshiete kudasai means please tell/show me. Repeat after me. 会計を教えてください.... 会計を教えてください. Luna: Kaikei o oshiete kudasai.... Kaikei o oshiete kudasai. Lucas: You nailed it. They will bring the slip. You pay at the counter. No tipping needed. Luna: I love that part. Okay, let's run through the whole sequence quickly. First thing I say? Lucas: Finding the seat. カウンターに席がありますか. Luna: Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Lucas: Next, asking for advice. このお酒、おすすめはありますか. Luna: Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka. Lucas: Then ordering. ビールを一つください. Luna: Bīru o hitotsu kudasai. Lucas: And adding water. お水もお願いします. Luna: Omizu mo onegaishimasu. Lucas: Finally, asking for the check. 会計を教えてください. Luna: Kaikei o oshiete kudasai. Wow. I feel like I could actually do this tonight. Lucas: You definitely can. It is simple, polite, and effective. Just remember to keep your voice calm. Luna: Calm and clear. Got it. Thanks, Lucas. This was way easier than the dentist visit. Lucas: Agreed. Much more pleasant topic. If Fexingo has been helping you make actual progress with this language... Luna: Yeah, I use these episodes every day. It really sticks when you hear it twice. Lucas: A handful of listeners chip in monthly through buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo, and that's literally what funds making this many of these. Luna: That is awesome. It keeps the show ad-free and high quality. I support it because I want it to continue. Lucas: Thanks for listening. Back to practicing those phrases. Luna: Let's do one more round of the bill phrase. Just to be sure. 会計を教えてください. Lucas: Kaikei o oshiete kudasai. Nice and smooth. Luna: I think I got it. What about the seat question again? Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Lucas: Kauntā ni seki ga arimasu ka. Yes. Perfect pitch. Luna: I'm feeling confident. Let's try the recommendation phrase. Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka. Lucas: Kono osake, osusume wa arimasu ka. Excellent. You are ready for Tokyo nightlife. Luna: I hope so. Let's practice the order one more time. Bīru o hitotsu kudasai. Lucas: Bīru o hitotsu kudasai. Very clear. And the water? Luna: Omizu mo onegaishimasu. Yes. All five phrases locked in. Lucas: Five phrases. Five situations. From finding a seat to paying the bill. You covered it all. Luna: It feels complete. Like a real script for a real night out. Lucas: That is the goal. Small steps, big confidence. Keep repeating these until they are automatic. Luna: I will. Practice makes perfect. Especially with the polite endings. Lucas: Masu and kudasai are your best friends here. Use them often. Luna: They work everywhere, not just bars. Lucas: Exactly. Versatile tools. Great job today, Luna. Luna: Thanks, Lucas. See you next time. Lucas: See you next time. Practice these till we chat again.