(Illustration by Stripes Japan)

 Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.

“jippurain wo shitakoto wa arimasuka?” = Have you ever tried ziplining?

(“Jippurain” = zipline, “wo” = a particle to indicate an object, “shitakoto” = experience of doing, “wa” = a particle to indicate a subject, “arimasuka” = is there?)

“Konshumatsu ni jippurain ni chosen suru noga machidoshii desu.” = I can’t wait to try ziplining this weekend!

(“konshumatsu” = this weekend, “ni” = a particle to indicate a time or a location or an object, “chosen” = challenge, “suru noga” = doing is, “machidoshii” = can’t wait)

“Bureki wo donoyoni kakemasuka?” = How do I hit the brake?

(“bureki” = brake, “wo” = a particle to incidicate an object, “donoyoni” = how,  “kakemasuka?” = apply?)

“Aizu wo matte kudasai!” = Wait for the signal!

(“aizu” = signal/cue, “wo” = a particle to indicate an object, “matte kudasai” = please wait)

“Herumetto ga kihchinto kabureteiruka kakunin shitekudasai.” = Make sure your helmet is secured.

(“herumett” = helmet, “ga”= a paritcle to indicate a subject, “kichinto” = properly, “kabureteiruka” = if being put on/worn by, “kakunin” = check/making sure of, “shitekudasai” = please do)

“Yoi wa iidesuka?” = Are you ready?

(“yoi” = ready/preparation, “wa” = a particle to indicate a sujbect, “iidesuka?” = is good?)

“Rettsu go / shuppatsu!” = Let’s go!

(“rettsu” = let’s, “shuppatsu” = departure)