Ask for the format before the call
A good first message gives the person enough information to say yes: “I don’t speak much Japanese. Would you like to talk for 10 minutes about the food in these photos? Could we use translated captions and type words we miss?” Use a picture you’re comfortable sharing, such as your own meal photo. The other person can bring one of their own.
If you are writing to a Japanese speaker, you can send: 日本語はほとんど話せません。翻訳字幕を使ってもいいですか？ (“I speak very little Japanese. Is it OK if we use translated captions?”) If captions won’t work for both of you, agree to try text first.
Use one photo to get through the first ten minutes
- Start with one easy observation. “I made this yesterday” gives the other person context before you ask a question.
- Ask a question with a concrete focus. Point to the photo and ask, “What is the brown topping?” Let them finish before reading back the answer.
- Give something back. If the answer is miso, say what you use in a similar dish. Then ask one follow-up about the flavour or when they eat it.
- End with one thing you learned. Type the food name and check the spelling before saying thanks. You can stop after one good exchange instead of filling every minute.
What to say when you lose the thread
| Japanese | Meaning | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| もう一度お願いします。 | One more time, please. | You missed the whole sentence. |
| 名前をチャットに書いてもらえますか？ | Could you type the name in the chat? | One name is keeping you from following the answer. |
| これは何ですか？ | What is this? | You can point to the exact thing in the photo. |
Why choose Hanashi?
A shared interest gives the call a purpose before you say a word in Japanese. Hanashi is designed to let you choose a Japanese host around that interest and use captions and translation to bridge gaps. Let the host know your level and confirm the language support you need before relying on it.
If a friend is already waiting to talk, use a translated call setup with that friend. If you want one person to teach you foundational patterns and correct your answers, choose a tutor and agree on the lesson goal first.