In this workshop, you will practice talking about how people greet each other in different countries. You will use simple patterns to say what happens in your country and ask about another country. You will also listen to short exchanges and choose the correct reply. The recordings give you ready-made lines, so you can focus on speaking clearly and using the right role. You do not need to invent new phrases. Instead, you will repeat, choose, and recall the lines you hear. This helps you build confidence for real conversations about cultural differences.
Talking About Greetings in Your Country
When you want to explain a custom from your country, you can start with a simple phrase. For example, «私の国では、初対面のとき、握手をします。» means that in the speaker's country, people shake hands when they meet someone for the first time. You can use this pattern to talk about your own country. If you want to ask about another country, you can say «日本では、お辞儀をしますか。», which asks whether people bow in Japan. Notice that the question is direct and simple. After you answer, you can show interest with «それは面白いですね。私の国では、あまりしません。», which means the speaker finds something interesting and says that in their country, people do not do that much. These lines help you keep the conversation going without needing long explanations.
Asking and Answering About First Meetings
A common exchange is to ask about first meetings and then answer. Speaker A asks «私の国では、初対面のとき、ハグをします。日本ではどうですか。», which means that in their country, people hug when meeting for the first time, and then asks how it is in Japan. Speaker B answers with «日本では、初対面のときは、お辞儀をします。ハグはあまりしません。», explaining that in Japan, people bow when meeting for the first time and do not hug much. This pair shows a clear question-and-answer pattern. You can practice both roles: first ask the question, then give the answer. Pay attention to the difference between 'hug' and 'bow.' These are actions, so you can use gestures to remember them. The goal is to speak smoothly and clearly, not to add new information.
Extending the Conversation to Friends
After talking about first meetings, you can ask about friends. Speaker A asks «そうですか。では、友達に会うときはどうですか。», which means 'I see. Then, how about when meeting friends?' This is a natural follow-up question. Speaker B answers with «友達の場合は、握手をしたり、軽くお辞儀をしたりします。», explaining that in the case of friends, people shake hands or bow lightly. This shows that customs can change depending on the relationship. When you practice, try to keep the same order: ask about first meetings, answer, then ask about friends. Use the exact lines from the recordings. This will help you remember the flow and respond more quickly in a real conversation.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
私の国では、初対面のとき、握手をします。
In my country, when meeting someone for the first time, we shake hands.
Watashi no kuni de wa, hatsutaimen no toki, akushu o shimasu.
日本では、お辞儀をしますか。
In Japan, do you bow?
Nihon de wa, ojigi o shimasu ka.
食事のとき、いただきますと言います。
When eating, we say 'itadakimasu'.
Shokuji no toki, itadakimasu to iimasu.
それは面白いですね。私の国では、あまりしません。
That's interesting. In my country, we don't do that much.
Sore wa omoshiroi desu ne. Watashi no kuni de wa, amari shimasen.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
私の国では、初対面のとき、ハグをします。日本ではどうですか。
In my country, when meeting for the first time, we hug. How about in Japan?日本では、初対面のときは、お辞儀をします。ハグはあまりしません。
In Japan, when meeting for the first time, we bow. We don't hug much.そうですか。では、友達に会うときはどうですか。
I see. Then, how about when meeting friends?友達の場合は、握手をしたり、軽くお辞儀をしたりします。
In the case of friends, we shake hands or bow lightly.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: First Meetings
You will play both roles in a short conversation about first meetings. Use the lines from the recordings. Read them aloud clearly.
Your task: First, play Speaker A and say «私の国では、初対面のとき、ハグをします。日本ではどうですか。». Then, play Speaker B and say «日本では、初対面のときは、お辞儀をします。ハグはあまりしません。». Repeat the exchange two times.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Correct Response
You will hear a question and choose the correct reply from two options. The question is about first meetings in Japan.
Your task: Listen to Speaker A say «私の国では、初対面のとき、ハグをします。日本ではどうですか。». Then choose the correct answer: either «日本では、初対面のときは、お辞儀をします。ハグはあまりしません。» or «友達の場合は、握手をしたり、軽くお辞儀をしたりします。». Say the correct line aloud.
Recall with Correct Roles: Friends and First Meetings
You will recall the lines from memory and use the correct roles. This time, focus on the follow-up question about friends.
Your task: Play Speaker A and ask «そうですか。では、友達に会うときはどうですか。». Then play Speaker B and answer «友達の場合は、握手をしたり、軽くお辞儀をしたりします。». Try to do this without looking at the lines.
Common questions
Do I need to memorize all the lines exactly?
It is helpful to remember the main lines, but you can start by reading them aloud. As you practice, try to say them without looking. The goal is to become comfortable with the patterns, not to be perfect.
Can I use these lines in a real conversation?
Yes, these lines are simple and useful for talking about greetings. You can use them as a model for talking about first meetings and friends. For now, practice with the exact lines to build confidence.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: navigate cultural differencesChecked September 2026
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