Contents
Hospitality for foreigners is difficult, isn't it? When overseas business partners and affiliated companies come to Japan, I think that there are many people who have a hard time choosing a restaurant to take to dinner. Not only are there restrictions on ingredients that come from religion and personal beliefs, but there are also differences in food culture and etiquette, so I think some people may be doing various research just before that. A pinch is a chance. Communicating around meals is the first step towards getting to know each other in any culture. In this article, let's learn about the key phrases of English conversation that make hospitality successful.
Let's listen honestly to your dietary preferences
Perhaps the other person is accustomed to traveling and may be familiar with Japanese food. Or maybe I've been to several countries before Japan and want to rest my stomach a little ... It's easy to imagine and worry about things, but the first step is to simply ask the other person to prevent unnecessary troubles.
“I'm going to book a place for dinner. Is there anything you have in mind?” (I'm going to make a reservation. Do you have anything you want to eat?) ”
“Is there anything you don't eat ? ”
The phrase “Is there anything (that)….” Is often used in these situations. Especially when asking about what you can't eat
”Are you a vegetarian?”
“Are you Muslim?”
Avoid listening to personal information such as directly as much as possible. By listening to "things" rather than "reasons" that you cannot eat, you can listen to allergies and other constitutional restrictions.
The above expressions are not particularly rude when used in business, but in the case of written language such as emails and websites, we may use more rigid phrases such as "dietary preference".
Menu description
When I arrive at the store, I will ask for food and drinks. Recently, the number of shops that have English translations of menus has increased, so it is safe to check when making a reservation. Even so, especially when it comes to the core Japanese restaurant, expecting an English menu is unsophisticated. I have never been able to explain it myself.
Information on shops such as Gurunavi, Tabelog, and Retty, including menus, is relatively easy to obtain on the Internet, so be sure to keep this in mind in advance. The point is to be able to say the ingredients and cooking method respectively. Depending on the premise knowledge of the other party, it is difficult to convey the direction such as fine flavor even in your native language, so let's divide it here. It is OK if you can provide the minimum information so that the other party can order comfortably.
Living -> raw
Boiled-> boiled
Steamed-> steamed
Roasted-> broiled
BBQ-> grilled
Stir-fried eye-> stir-fried
Fried-> deep-fried
Kiln-> baked, roasted
If you know this area, you will be able to cover most of the cooking methods.
Please note that you should not use "burn" with the intention of "burning". " Burn" means "burn". For example, "burned fish" has the nuance of "charred fish" instead of "grilled fish". I think that many people will understand the intention, but some people may really accept that "Japanese people like sickness!". !!
As for ingredients and drinks, there are many things that are unique to Japan, so I think you don't have to be so nervous if you can understand most of the categories. If you are curious, you may be asked various questions about food, so please do your best. I was once asked why the place name and the beer name are the same when Ebisu beer was served at a tachigui party in Ebisu, Tokyo. The place name of Ebisu was originally established because there was a factory of Yebisu beer.
"Yebisu beer originated in a brewery near here more than 100 years ago. It was so popular that they named the town after the brand. The name of the town itself has changed due to its popularity.) "
It is universal that it feels more delicious when you understand the story behind it.
Make accounting smart
When the meal is over, it's time to check out. Credit cards are the major accounting method, depending on the country of origin of the other party. Unlike countries such as the United States, most stores in Japan do not accept credit cards for individual accounts, so be careful. If you want to split the bill, you should check in advance.
"Let's split the bill. (meter)"
“Let’s split the check.“
Simple expressions such as are OK.
Even if you want to have accounting, it is a showcase of communication skills.
“The dinner is on me.”
”This is my treat.”
Let's say while looking at the other person's eyes. Then, with a high probability,
“Are you sure?“
I will ask you
“Absolutely.”
“Yes. Please be my guest.”
Let's remind you. Advanced users can mix winks (laughs). Of course, don't forget to smile!
By the way, as a little extra edition. For shops that buy alcohol at the bar counter,
“Let me buy you a drink. ”
Is often used. If you get a treat,
“Thank you. I’ll buy you the next one.“
Don't forget to give it back. This is a universal place.
The important thing is a smile
What did you think. It would be great if I could convey the charm of my country and the city I live in through meals, and I think my work will go well. Nonverbal communication occupies a large part of communication. If you don't forget to smile, your hospitality should be conveyed even if you get a little sick of words!
