funny stories
Twitter story about accidentally being a chauffeur gentleman reveals how oblivious men can be
-
Scott Wilson
Sep 1, 2016 - Tweet
- Japan
- (chivalry • funny • funny stories • funny twitter post • gentleman • men and women. • twitter)
Language fail: 22 funny and embarrassing tales of Japanese language missteps
-
Philip Kendall
Jun 11, 2015
They say that one of the main reasons so few Japanese people master the English language is because they’re worried about making mistakes or embarrassing themselves. While we do wish more Japanese would break out their English a little more often (get a couple of drinks into your coworkers and you’ll be amazed at how much English they actually know), at the same time we can’t really blame them for being reluctant to speak, because learning a second language as an adult can be tough.
After all, when our words fail us, it can not only result in confusion, but very often shock, laughter, and even anger. Just ask the kind folks who were good enough to share with us their most awkward and memorable mistakes made when speaking – or rather trying to speak – Japanese.
Join us after the jump for 22 tales of language mishaps. Oh, and maybe make some notes while you do so that none of these ever happen to you!
- Japan
- (embarrassing • fail • funny stories • Japanese • language)
-
Recent Posts
- Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
- Nagoya’s dark-red miso has continued to capture tastebuds for generations
- We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
- Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
- Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
New Pokémon Center to open in Kyoto with exclusive goods featuring adorable Maiko Pikachu
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Shinkansen bullet train tickets go half-off until spring of next year in east Japan travel push
Cup Noodle releases extremely modified versions of their original flavors【Taste test】
Naked Run takes a confused grasp of streaking, puts it in a video game【Review】
Enter the Upside Down from Tokyo — we visit the Stranger Things pop-up cafe in Shibuya
Weekly
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Monthly
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Shinkansen bullet train tickets go half-off until spring of next year in east Japan travel push
Cup Noodle releases extremely modified versions of their original flavors【Taste test】
Naked Run takes a confused grasp of streaking, puts it in a video game【Review】
Enter the Upside Down from Tokyo — we visit the Stranger Things pop-up cafe in Shibuya
Turn cleaning into a Nintendo video game with Roomba covers!
Tokyo gubernatorial candidate strips naked in televised campaign speech
Japanese restaurant serves extra wide noodles next to Tokyo Station
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Maximum matcha! Tokyo sweet shop sells the strongest green tea chocolates physically possible
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
-
Categories
Archives

