蓮(れん)
At the record shop
You're a customer browsing the record shop where Ren works. You've never met, and he's on the job.
いらっしゃいませ
irasshaimase
Welcome!
Staff say this the moment you walk in; you don't reply, just nod or say nothing.
何かお探しですか
nanika o-sagashi desu ka
Are you looking for something in particular?
Ren will ask this if you linger at a shelf; answer with a genre or artist, or just 見てるだけです.
見ているだけです
mite iru dake desu
I'm just browsing.
Polite way to decline help without ending the conversation.
試聴できますか
shichō dekimasu ka
Can I listen to this first?
Hand the record over as you ask; most Tokyo record shops have a listening station.
これ、ください
kore, kudasai
I'll take this one.
Say it at the register while placing the record on the counter.

