Conversation Between Saleswoman at Tokyo Interior and Me (100% Japanese)
I see a rug I like, marked for 6800 yen. A red 40% off sign is beside it. A saleswoman is approaching.
Saleswoman (under her breath): Irrasahimase. (Welcome, come in, etc. Everyone in stores greets their customers with this line).
Me (going up to her and pointing at rugs): Excuse me. How long is this sale until?
Saleswoman: Japanese, Japanese, Japanese, Japanese, let me see. (Looks at sign.) (Continues talking in comprehensible Japanese.)
Me: I want this rug. But today I don’t have money. Next week, will it be here?
Saleswoman: Mmmmmm. (Takes bar-coded prices out of the plastic sleeve. Shows me two tickets. Speaks in Japanese.)
Me (switching tactics): Maybe it will be here. Maybe it won’t be here. Maybe I can buy today. Is VISA okay?
Saleswoman: VISA card?
Me: Yes, VISA card.
Saleswoman: It’s okay.
Me: Can I see it?
Saleswoman: Sure. (We both take it off the rack and place it on a stack of rugs nearby.)
Me: I like it.
Saleswoman: (Smiles.)
Me (pointing at 40% off sign and at 6800 yen sign): Is this the last price? Is it [in English, “40% off”] now? Is it 5000 yen? 4000 yen?
Me: OK.
Me (to myself): Am I having a conversation in Japanese?
Saleswoman (returning): (Points to 40% sign.) 6800 is already 40% off. 6800 is the [in English, “last price”].
Me [in English]: Mmmmm, let me think.
Saleswoman: (Looks at me quizzically.)
Me [in Japanese]: To think. (Makes thoughtful face. Puts finger on temple in “Thinking” pose.)
Saleswoman: (Maybe gets it.) Japanese, Japanese, Japanese.
Me [in English]: Maybe I can come back. Today I will not buy it. Thank you for your trouble, though.
Saleswoman: Oh, it’s okay.
Me & Saleswoman: (Put the rug back on the rack.)
Me: I’m sorry, just a little Japanese.
Saleswoman: It’s okay. Just a little English.
Me: Thank you a lot. Maybe I will come back.
Saleswoman: Thank you. Japanese, Japanese, Japanese.
Me: Thank you.
(End Scene)
So, did you get the rug? What a great conversation in English and Japenese!!!
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