There are still some English expressions or rules that I have never been aware of, no matter how long I have been studying English. Does my experience resonate with you? At the same time, even if you have Japanese friends, that does not mean they will correct every single mistake.

You are not alone. Lately, I found out about my English mistake that I had been making for years! Then, I felt embarrassed and frustrated.

So, today, please let me share three Japanese expressions that learners often misunderstand.

1. おげんきですか

Do you say おげんきですか every time you meet someone?

This expression is usually used when you meet someone you haven’t seen for a while.

At the same time, you can start an email or letter with おげんきですか if it has been a while since you contacted the person.

2. もういちどください

I’ve heard this so many times when my clients wanted to ask me, “Please say that again.” I understand what you mean, but the correct way to say this is もうiいちどいってください。.

ください means “please give me”, and should be used as Nounをください. In addition, もういちどいってくれませんか would be more appropriate since てくれませんか means “can you?”, which makes the sentence more polite. In a conversation, it is essential to listen and understand what the other person says. Even I, as a Japanese native speaker, say もういちどいってくれませんか to avoid the misunderstanding. So, please do not hesitate to use this sentence in the conversation.

3. ありがとうございます(at the end of an email)

This is another common mistake that I frequently encounter. When I received an email in English for the first time, I was confused as to why the email was ending with ‘thank you,’ because in Japanese, we do not do that. If you ask someone to do something, よろしくおねがいします is the most common way to end the email.

In conclusion, language learning is a continuous process of discovery and occasional misunderstandings. Like you, I can relate to encountering new expressions and rules, even after years of studying English. Similarly, having Japanese friends doesn’t guarantee they will correct every mistake.

In this blog post, I shared three common Japanese expressions that learners often misunderstand. Understanding their proper usage will enhance communication with Japanese speakers. Embrace the learning process, seek guidance when needed, and pay attention to cultural nuances. Language learning is a rewarding journey that deepens our connections with others. Let’s keep practicing and stay curious. がんばってください！