The thing is I, personally, don't exactly know where to go up and down with the pronunciation, how to split the sounds and when to take small stops. Because of that, speaking the name of a whole dish can be a 00 Agent mission, and the harder you work, the less they understand you. Therefore it's just easier to get a smaller name on the menu (It'll probably be cheaper too). I've had this problem a couple of times, but what happened next was something I watched from afar the other day (and that's why I realized it is funny but frustrating). Has that ever happened to you?
Waiter - お決まりですか？
(Have you decided?)
Girl - 味噌かつ丼、フライドポテトと青りんごの酎ハイお願いします～
(Literal translation - pork cutlet with miso topping, french fries and green apple shochu with tonic water, if you please~)
W - あっ．．．すみません。
(Er... Sorry. [say it again])
G - えぇと．．．チキン南蛮タルタルソースと青りんごの酎ハイ。お願いします。
(Well... Asian-style chicken with tartar sauce and green apple shochu with tonic water. If you please.)
W - (Silence)
G - 唐揚げとコーラをください。(Sigh)
(Fried chicken and coke, please.)
Notice how it gets shorter!
It's really painful for most of us. We can't even speak English accordingly, imagine speaking Japanese. I guess the guy at the restaurant was also new over there, he seemed terribly nervous with that "I'm so sorry I can't help" face. But honestly?
At least she could have pointed at the menu instead of trying to say it. At least that's what I do.
It reminded me of the "B セット" of LC. xD
ReplyDeletedunno. even if they don't understand me at first, i'll try again until they get it or they correct me. that's my way.
ReplyDeletealso, don't you dare claim you have such problems with japanese, i won't believe you. or are you aiming for the perfect and try to switch the 系 in your "social class" to 本?
at least you're still better than me
ReplyDeleteI see how fast you have improved in the japanese language. Do you remember how you used simple words like "samui" in a wrong way?
when I was in Japan, I just asked for coke cause it was the only thing I knew
pointing at the menu was the solution for this kind of problem
you'll still have good memories of those times
do not give up trying
I dunno bout u guys, bt I was wonderin who dat girl was...XD
ReplyDeleteOmg the B set of LC still makes me laugh but also feel awkward. xD
ReplyDelete@Balint: I'll be Brazilian no matter what =]
@Lie: I still ask for coke most of the time =D hahaha and when are you coming here?! .___.
And Paul's comment got me wondering: why? xD