Tag Archives: Hiroshima Market Phrases

Phrases You Need to Know Before Visiting Hiroshima’s Bustling Markets

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through a bustling marketplace, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of fresh seafood? Imagine finding the perfect piece of sushi-grade tuna, haggling over the price of plump oysters, and learning a few useful phrases to make your experience even more authentic. Well, get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Hiroshima’s markets, and unlock the secrets to navigating them like a local!

Hiroshima is known for its delicious seafood and lively markets, but it can be intimidating to approach a market where everyone speaks a different language. Don’t worry! This guide is here to help you feel confident and comfortable as you explore the bustling stalls and chat with friendly vendors.

Essential Greetings: Breaking the Ice

The first step to connecting with the vendors is to say hello. Here are some basic greetings to get you started:

• “Konnichiwa” (こんにちは): This means “hello” and is used during the day.
• “Konbanwa” (こんばんは): This means “good evening” and is used after sunset.
• “Ohayou gozaimasu” (おはようございます): This means “good morning” and is used in the morning.
• “Sayonara” (さようなら): This means “goodbye”.

Navigating the Market: Asking for Help

Once you’ve greeted the vendor, you might need to ask for help finding something specific. Here are a few helpful phrases:

• “Kore wa nan desu ka?” (これは何ですか？): This means “What is this?”.
• “Gomen nasai. …” (ごめんなさい。…): This means “Excuse me, …”. Use this when you need to ask for help, directions, or interrupt the vendor.
• “Sumimasen. …” (すみません。…): This means “I’m sorry, …”. You can also use this phrase to politely ask for something.
• “Douzo” (どうぞ): This means “Please” and is used when requesting something or asking someone to do something.
• “Arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます): This means “Thank you”. It’s always good to show your appreciation.

Making a Purchase: Negotiating and Saying Goodbye

Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you might need to negotiate the price or ask for a specific quantity. Here are a few helpful phrases:

• “Ikura desu ka?” (いくらですか？): This means “How much is it?”.
• “Chotto yasuku shite kudasai” (ちょっと安くしてくれませんか？): This means “Could you make it a little cheaper?”.
• “… kudasai” (…ください): This means “Please give me …”. You can use this to request a specific amount of something, like “2 kudasai” for “Please give me two”.
• “Otsukaresama desu” (お疲れ様です): This is a common expression used to say “Thank you for your hard work” and can be used to show appreciation to the vendor.

The Fun of the Market: More Useful Phrases

Here are some other useful phrases to enhance your market experience:

• “Oishii!” (おいしい！): This means “Delicious!” Don’t hesitate to use this phrase if you find something yummy!
• “Maji de?” (マジで？): This means “Really?”. You can use this to express surprise or disbelief.
• “Wakarimashita” (わかりました): This means “I understand”. Use this to confirm that you understood what the vendor said.
• “Okaeri nasai” (お帰りなさい): This means “Welcome home”. This phrase is commonly used when someone returns home.

Enjoy Your Adventure!

By learning these basic phrases, you can gain a deeper connection with the vibrant markets of Hiroshima and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t be afraid to practice and experiment. Remember that even a little effort goes a long way! So, get out there, explore, and enjoy the delicious bounty of Hiroshima’s markets.

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