PG016

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32 Smali Talk

I am........

watakushi no........

hungry

onaka ga sukimashita thirsty nodo ga

kawakimashita

Some Useful Phrases

Where are you going? anata wa doko ni ikimasu ka?

Do you speak English? eigo o hanashimasu ka?

What did you say? nani o oshaimashita ka?

I don’t know. wakarimasen

No.

iie

Yes. ha i

What’s the matter? nanika mondai ga arimasu ka?

Where is the restroom? otearai wa doko desu ka?

What is this called? korę wa nanto iimasu ka?

Accommodation

Travellers have a choice between westem-style hotels or Japanese inns as well as a wide rangę of prices. Count on finding English-speaking Staff only at the larger and morę expensive hotels and inns.

For a taste of travel Japanese style try a Japanese ryokan or a minshuku. The ryokan is the traditional up-market inn that westemers generally picture when they think of a Japanese house or inn. These are the inns with sliding doors, kimono-clad ladies, and reed mat (tatami) floors. The maid lays out your bed (jutoń) and brings meals to your room -delightful touches but ones for which you will pay dearly. Budget travellers go for the less elaborate family-operated minshukus. The service isn’t as solicitous, and the food isn’t as good as in a ryokan but the room rates are quite comfortable. Guests do not have a choice over the menu in either type of inn - accept what is served. A minshuku usually features a common dining area and a set mealtime. Since foreigners are sometimes turned away from both types of Japanese inns, it is best to make reservations through a tourist information office.

Hotel and inn bills include a service charge. Tipping is not necessary but is acceptable if extraordinary service has been provided.

Where is a........?

........doko desu ka?    ...£ £ ~£'*3"

hotel

hoteru    'fc T Jls

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