Train ride small talk that doesn't get awkward
By the end you'll make small talk with a colleague or acquaintance on the commute without long silences.
- 1
今日も混んでますね
kyou mo kondemasu ne
Comment on the crowded train, Japan's universal small-talk opener.
Use when standing next to someone you know on a crowded train
今日も混んでますね。
kyou mo kondemasu ne.
It's crowded again today.
- 2
いい天気ですね
ii tenki desu ne
Safe weather comment to break the silence.
Use when the silence is awkward and you want to break it
今日はいい天気ですね。
kyou wa ii tenki desu ne.
Nice weather today, isn't it.
- 3
どこまでですか？
doko made desu ka?
'Where are you headed?' to extend the chat naturally.
Use when continuing small talk on the train
今日はどこまでですか？
kyou wa doko made desu ka?
Where are you headed today?
Saved phrases collect at practice → saved; quiz them and they enter your review queue.