OKINAWA

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Try using some of these words or phrases when going to the beach – or the next time you’re at a sushi restaurant.

“Umi ni ikimashou!” = Let’s go to sea (beach). “Kurage wa imasuka?” = Are there any jellyfish? “kurage” = jellyfish, “same” = shark, “sakana” = fish, “kame” = turtle, “kujira” = whale

“Watashiwa kirei na kaigara wo mitsuke mashita.” = I found a beautiful seashell. “Kaigara” = seashell “Kono sakana no namae wa nan desuka?” = What is the name of this fish? “Yasei no iruka wo mita koto ga arimasuka?” = Have you seen wild dolphins? “yasei” = wild, “iruka” = dolphins, “Uni ni ki wo tsukete kudasai.” = Please watch out (be careful) for sea urchins. “Shii fuudo no oishii omise wa dokodesuka?” = Where is a good seafood restaurant? “shii fuudo” = seafood

“Maguro onegaishimasu.” = Please have some tuna. “maguro” = tuna, “ebi” = shrimp, “hamachi” = yellowtail, “Saa mon” = salmon, “uni” = sea urchin, “unagi” = freshwater eel, “anago” = sea eel, “nigiri” = raw fish atop rice-style sushi, “maki” = sushi roll, “temaki” = hand roll

WHEN ON OKINAWA – you can also say it in “Uchinaanguchi” (island dialect) like this: “iyu” = fish, “Shibi” = maguro “gurukun” = a popular reef fish on Okinawa

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