Speakin' Japanese: Bon/Eisa talk

It’s Bon Odori and Eisa season in mainland Japan and Okinawa, respectively. While checking out the music, dance and delicacies at one of the many seasonal festivals near you, try using some of these useful words and phrases.

“Eisa/Bon Odori ga mitai desu.” = I want to see Eisa.
“Eisa/Bon Odori wa itsu desu ka.” = When is the Eisa/Bon Odori (festival)?
“Itsu” = When
“Bon odori/Eisa ni iki masho.” = Let’s go to the Bon Odori/Eisa (festival).
“Iki masho” = Let’s go
“Kaijo wa doko desu ka?” = Where is the location?
“Kaijo” = Location “Doko” = Where
“Yukata no ki kata wo oshiete kudasai.” = Please teach me how to wear yukata.
“Yukata” = Summer kimono “Oshiete” = Teach
Odorikata wo oshiete kudasai.” = Please teach me how to dance.
“Issho ni odotte iidesu ka?” = May I dance with you?
“Demise ga takusan detemasu ne?” = There are many stalls, aren’t there?
“Takusan” = Many “Demise” = Stalls
“Atsui desu ne?” = It is hot, isn’t it?
“Kakigoori wo katte kimasu.” = I’m going to buy shaved ice.
“Kakigoori” = Shaved ice “Katte” = Buy

Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.