Conversation Repair

Learn these early. They are more valuable than another list of nouns.

The repair ladder

When you miss something, do not freeze. Climb this ladder: repeat, slow down, write, meaning, alternative language. The goal is not perfect Japanese. The goal is keeping the interaction alive.

もう一度お願いします。

One more time, please.

ゆっくりお願いします。

Slowly, please.

すみません、聞き取れませんでした。

Sorry, I could not catch that.

日本語で何と言いますか。

How do you say it in Japanese?

ここに書いてください。

Please write it here.

英語でもいいですか。

Is English okay?

Meaning checks

どういう意味ですか。 means “what kind of meaning is it?” In real speech, you often attach it to これ.

これはどういう意味ですか。

What does this mean?

この言葉はどういう意味ですか。

What does this word mean?

これは何と読みますか。

How do you read this?

漢字が読めません。

I cannot read the kanji.

Confirm what you heard

Confirmation phrases are essential because Japanese often drops subjects. If you think you understood, repeat the key word and ask.

東京駅ですね。

Tokyo Station, right?

三時ですね。

Three o’clock, right?

ここで待ちますか。

Do I wait here?

これでいいですか。

Is this okay?

この番号ですか。

Is it this number?

Explain your level

Use these once, then immediately ask for the concrete help you need.

日本語を勉強しています。

I am studying Japanese.

日本語が少しわかります。

I understand a little Japanese.

日本語がまだ上手じゃないです。

My Japanese is not good yet.

簡単な日本語でお願いします。

Simple Japanese, please.

Recovery dialogues

At the station

At city hall

What not to overuse

わかりません。 is useful, but it can end the conversation. Better: say exactly what would help. Ask for one more time, slower speech, writing, or a meaning check.