Choosing new glasses
Buying glasses in Japan: Japanese phrases
You're friends. You're getting your first pair of glasses in Japan, and Ren, who has worn his round ones for years, came along to help you choose. The eye test is next. Ren speaks first, in casual Japanese: plain forms, without です and ます, the way friends and family talk. Here is how it can begin, and the phrases and words worth having ready.
casualWith Ren, at the glasses shop
How Ren opens the conversation
Ren always speaks first. This is the scene's own opening line, with a reply you could give back at the same level:
これ、似合うと思う。かけてみて。
Kore, niau to omou. Kakete mite.
I think these would suit you. Try them on.
You could say
ちょっと大きいかな。他のも見たい。
Chotto ōkii ka na. Hoka no mo mitai.
A bit big, maybe. I'd like to see some others.
Other ways it can begin
No two conversations go the same way, and the first line changes too. Each of these can open the scene:
視力検査、次だってさ。緊張する？
Shiryoku kensa, tsugi datte sa. Kinchō suru?
The eye test is next, apparently. Nervous?
You could say
うん、ちょっと緊張する。
Un, chotto kinchō suru.
Yeah, I'm a little nervous.
俺のこれ、もう五年かけてる。
Ore no kore, mō gonen kaketeru.
These ones of mine, I've worn them for five years now.
You could say
へえ、長いね。似合ってるよ。
Hē, nagai ne. Niatteru yo.
Wow, that's a long time. They suit you.
丸いのと四角いの、どっちが好き？
Marui no to shikakui no, dotchi ga suki?
Round ones or square ones — which do you like?
You could say
丸いのがいいかな。
Marui no ga ii kana.
I think I like the round ones.
あっちの棚も見てみよう。
Atchi no tana mo mite miyō.
Let's have a look at that shelf over there too.
You could say
うん、行ってみよう。
Un, itte miyō.
Sure, let's go look.
この店、静かだね。落ち着く。
Kono mise, shizuka da ne. Ochitsuku.
This shop's quiet, huh. It's relaxing.
You could say
ほんとだ。ゆっくり選べるね。
Honto da. Yukkuri eraberu ne.
You're right. We can take our time choosing.
Phrases worth knowing here
Lines for what you do at the glasses shop, each with when you'd say it.
- これ、かけてみたら？kore, kakete mitara?Why don't you try these on?Suggesting a pair to your friend while browsing the display.
- 丸いの、似合うと思うmarui no, niau to omouI think round ones suit you.Giving an opinion on frame shape; swap 丸い for 細い, 黒い, etc.
- ちょっと重くない？chotto omoku nai?Aren't these a bit heavy?Say it while wearing a pair, checking how they feel.
- どっちのほうがいいと思う？docchi no hō ga ii to omou?Which one do you think is better?When you're torn between two frames and want Ren's take.
- 次、視力検査だよね？tsugi, shiryoku kensa da yo ne?The eye test is next, right?Confirming what comes after picking out the frames.
Words you'll hear
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 眼鏡 | megane | glasses |
| フレーム | furēmu | frames |
| レンズ | renzu | lenses |
| 度 | do | prescription strength |
| 視力検査 | shiryoku kensa | eye test |
| 丸い | marui | round |
| 似合う | niau | to suit (someone) |
| かける | kakeru | to put on (glasses) |
| 軽い | karui | light (in weight) |
| 鏡 | kagami | mirror |
How polite to be
casual Here Ren speaks casual Japanese: plain forms, without です and ます, the way friends and family talk, and the replies suggested to you match the level you'd use back. The guide to keigo explains the three levels, and when each is right.
Try it out loud
In Unsubtitled, Ren says these lines in their own voice, and answers whatever you say back, typed or dictated, with furigana, romaji, and a translation until you no longer need them.
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Or see every scene, with all four characters.