Japanese For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Learn to speak Japanese—the fast and easy way

Japanese is the gateway to the rich culture of the exciting and complex island nation of Japan. Some people get intimidated by the prospect of speaking Japanese—worried that it’s just too complex and different—but these fears are unfounded. While you can devote a lifetime to the study of this or any language, picking up the basics of Japanese doesn’t require any more than an interest and a willingness to try something new.

Japanese For Dummies has everything you need to start speaking the language. Author and Professor of Japanese Eriko Sato introduces the essentials of grammar and pronunciation, giving you a working sense of the language, before showing you Japanese in action. You’ll also discover social customs, formalities, and manners, from how and when to bow to how to unwrap a present.

• Includes vocabulary summaries, a mini-dictionary, and an audio CD full of conversations and pronunciations
• Assumes no prior knowledge of Japanese on your part—providing the perfect guide for a quick-but-thorough, lighthearted-but-not-lightweight introduction to the language
• CD lets you hear Japanese as it’s really spoken and reinforces lessons from the book

Whether you simply want to introduce yourself to the Japanese language, say a few words to a neighbor or coworker, or you’re planning a major trip or study abroad in Japan, Japanese For Dummies will enable you to get the basics fast and work towards your own goal at your own pace.

CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started
Chapter 1: Japanese in a Nutshell
Chapter 2: Checking Out the Japanese Sounds and Scripts
Chapter 3: Warming Up with Japanese Grammar Basics
Chapter 4: Starting with Simple Expressions
Chapter 5: Getting Your Numbers, Times, and Measurements Straight
Chapter 6: Speaking Japanese at Home

Part II: Japanese in Action
Chapter 7: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk
Chapter 8: Asking for Directions
Chapter 9: Dining Out and Going to the Market
Chapter 10: Shopping Made Easy
Chapter 11: Going Out on the Town
Chapter 12: Taking Care of Business and Telecommunications
Chapter 13: Recreation and the Great Outdoors

Part III: Japanese on the Go
Chapter 14: Planning a Trip
Chapter 15: Dealing with Money in a Foreign Land
Chapter 16: Making Your Way Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis, and More
Chapter 17: Finding a Place to Stay
Chapter 18: Handling Emergencies

Part IV: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Pick Up Japanese Quickly
Chapter 20: Ten Things Never to Say in Japanese
Chapter 21: Ten Favorite Japanese Expressions
Chapter 22: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Japanese

Part V: Appendixes
Appendix A: Mini Dictionary
Appendix B: Verb Tables
Appendix C: On the CD
Appendix D: Answer Key