Shadowing Practice: 【Japanese Conversation】 Cafe Conversation|Entering, Ordering, and Accounting - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Welcome everyone. Welcome to Akane's Japanese Cafe!
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Today I will introduce conversation that is used in cafes and restaurants.
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But unlike my usual videos, this time I'll be playing the role of a cafe staff member.
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This time, we will introduce these three scenes: entering the store, ordering, and checking out.
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First, I will introduce three situations when entering a store.
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The first time, there are no Japanese subtitles.
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The second time there are Japanese subtitles.
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Entering the store 1: 1st time.
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welcome. how many people?
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Please sit in any available seat you like.
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Entry 2: Second time.
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welcome. how many people?
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Please sit in any available seat you like.
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"NANMEI SAMA DESUKA?" means "How many people?" 1 person. There are 2 people. 3 people. There are 4 people. There are 5 people.
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This is how you answer.
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Please sit in any available seat of your choice.
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This means that you can sit anywhere as long as there is an empty seat.
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Entry 2: 1st time.
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welcome. how many people?
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This is SATO, which I made a reservation for at 11:30am.
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Mr. SATO, I have been waiting for your visit.
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Please take a seat here.
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Entry 2: Second time.
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welcome. how many people?
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This is SATO, which I made a reservation for at 11:30am.
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Mr. SATO, I have been waiting for your visit.
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Please take a seat here.
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If you make a reservation in advance and go to the cafe, just say something like "This is SATO, I made a reservation" when you enter.
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Entry 3: 1st time.
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welcome. how many people?
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There are 6 of us, are there any seats available?
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Please wait a moment while I confirm your seat.
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Sorry, customer. It's currently full, and I think we'll be able to offer you a seat in 30 minutes.
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I got it. Please wait at this seat.
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Entry 3: Second time.
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welcome. how many people?
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There are 6 of us, are there any seats available?
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Please wait a moment while I confirm your seat.
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Sorry, customer. It's currently full, and I think we'll be able to offer you a seat in 30 minutes.
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I got it. Please wait at this seat.
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"MANSEKI" means there are no seats available.
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Here, the restaurant staff says they think there will be a seat available in 30 minutes.
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Next is the ordering scene.
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Before that, I would like to introduce some useful apps to help you practice Japanese conversation.
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Today I'm introducing Japanese conversations to people in cafes and restaurants.
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When you actually speak Japanese, you may feel nervous or have trouble speaking it well.
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But I think if you practice it, you'll gain confidence.
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This time I would like to introduce ITALKI, which I have been using for over 4 years.
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ITALKI is a language learning app that allows you to study online.
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There are over 30,000 language teachers around the world.
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If you are a beginner, you should look for a teacher who can teach you Japanese in your native language.
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By doing so, you will be able to ask questions in your native language, which will help you understand better.
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With ITALKI you can study one on one.
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You can continue studying at your own pace and with the content you want to study while consulting with your teacher.
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With ITALKI, you can study languages ​​anytime and anywhere according to your schedule, using your smartphone or computer.
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You pay for each lesson, so you don't have to pay a fixed amount every month.
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I'm currently studying English at ITALKI.
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Today I want to practice English conversation when ordering at a restaurant.
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OK. Would you be able to act as a staff member at the restaurant?
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welcome. Shall I take your order?
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I'd like a cheeseburger set please.
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What kind of drink would you like with the set?
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I have a question.
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I can't drink carbonated drinks.
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When a cafe or restaurant only has carbonated drinks on its menu.
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How do I tell the waiter that I can order another drink instead of a soda?
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I am practicing conversation with my English teacher.
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I think I have improved not only my English speaking skills but also my listening comprehension skills.
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Everyone is welcome to practice with a teacher who speaks their native language wherever and whenever they like.
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There is an ITALKI link and coupon code in the summary section.
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When you spend $10, you'll receive a $5 free coupon for your first lesson.
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Please enter this promo code.
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This code is for people taking lessons at ITALKI for the first time.
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The first 50 people can receive special benefits.
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Please take this opportunity to take Japanese lessons at ITALKI.
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Next, I will introduce three ordering situations.
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Order 1: 1st time.
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Here is the menu.
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Once you have decided on your order, please use this bell to call me.
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Excuse me. Can I have some water?
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I got it. I'll bring you some water right away.
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Sorry I made you wait. I brought water.
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Excuse me. I'd like one hamburger without tomato, please.
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Yes, please wait a moment.
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Order 1: 2nd time.
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Here is the menu.
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Once you have decided on your order, please use this bell to call me.
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Excuse me. Can I have some water?
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yes. I'll bring you some water right away.
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Sorry to keep you waiting. I brought water.
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Excuse me. I'd like one hamburger without tomato, please.
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yes. please wait a moment.
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"OHIYA" means water.
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Water is mostly provided free of charge in Japan, with the exception of some restaurants.
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I'd like it without tomatoes, please.
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This means don't add tomatoes.
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If you can't eat something due to allergies, you can order it like this.
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Ask the staff at the restaurant so they can remove the food you can't eat.
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Order 2: 1st time.
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Sorry I made you wait. Have you decided on your order?
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Yes, I would like one hot coffee and one chocolate cake, please.
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yes. Do you use sugar and milk?
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Yes, milk please.
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I got it. Confirm your order.
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Can you go wrong with at least one hot coffee and one chocolate cake?
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sorry. I'd like orange juice instead of coffee.
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Yes, I got it.
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May I have the menu?
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May I look at the menu a little more?
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Order 2: Second time.
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Sorry I made you wait. Have you decided on your order?
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Yes, I would like one hot coffee and one chocolate cake, please.
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I got it. Do you use sugar and milk?
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Yes, milk please.
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I got it. I'll confirm your order.
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Can you go wrong with at least one hot coffee and one chocolate cake?
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sorry. I'd like orange juice instead of coffee.
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Yes, I got it.
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May I have the menu?
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May I look at the menu a little more?
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This "YAPPARI" is used when you want to change your opinion.
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"MENU O OSAGESHITEMO YOROSHII DESUKA?" means "Can I have the menu?" Order 3: 1st time.
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Thank you for visiting us.
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Please place your order using this touch panel.
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Yes, I understand.
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Order 3: 2nd time.
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Thank you for visiting us.
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Please place your order using this touch panel.
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Yes, I understand.
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Recently, more and more restaurants are using touch panels to order.
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Next is the accounting scene.
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Accounting 1: 1st time.
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Excuse me, please pay the bill.
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yes. Please bring this slip to the cashier.
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thank you. The bill is 1100 yen.
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I would like to pay by credit card.
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I got it. Please enter your PIN.
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This is a copy of the card, receipt, and credit card usage.
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Accounting 1: 2nd time.
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Excuse me, please pay the bill.
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I got it. Please bring this slip to the cashier.
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thank you. The bill is 1100 yen.
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I would like to pay by credit card.
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I got it. Please enter your PIN.
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This is a copy of the card, receipt, and credit card usage.
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Japanese credit card pin numbers are 4 digits.
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How many digits does your country's credit card pin number have?
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Please let me know it in the comments.
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If you pay with a credit card, you will receive a customer receipt in addition to the receipt.
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This is a piece of paper that shows how much you spent on your credit card.
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Accounting 2: 1st time.
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Thank you for the meal.
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I will keep the slip. The bill is 1100 yen.
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Do you have a point card?
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No, I don't have it.
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Can I pay by credit card?
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sorry. Our store only accepts cash payments.
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Yes, I understand.
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I received 2000 yen.
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900 yen in change and a receipt.
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Accounting 2: Second time.
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Thank you for the meal.
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I will keep the slip. The bill is 1100 yen.
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Do you have a point card?
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No, I don't have it.
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Can I pay by credit card?
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sorry. Our store only accepts cash payments.
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Yes, I understand.
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I received 2000 yen.
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The change is 900 yen and a receipt.
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"GENKIN NOMI" means that only cash can be used.
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There are still some stores in Japan that only accept cash, so be sure to prepare cash when you come to Japan.
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Today I introduced to everyone the Japanese words used at cafes for entering, ordering, and paying.
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I rented a restaurant to shoot this video.
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This is a restaurant located on the first floor of a hotel called "PAPRIKA HOTEL DESU".
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Thank you to everyone at PAPRIKA HOTEL DESU for your continued cooperation.
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The URL and link of PAPRIKA HOTEL DESU will be posted in the summary section, so if you are interested, please take a look.
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Did everyone notice me?
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I had this apron Akane with the words Akane's Japanese Cafe.
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I made a name tag like this for this video shoot.
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I also bought this bell.
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This was sold at a 100 yen shop for 300 yen.
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I wanted to get serious about video shooting, so I gathered the necessary accessories and gave it a try.
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What did you all think of this video?
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I would be happy if this video was helpful to everyone.
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Then try practicing conversation situations like the one introduced this time with a Japanese teacher at ITALKI.
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At first, you may be afraid or lack confidence in speaking Japanese.
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I think you'll get used to it if you practice Japanese, so please try practicing with ITALKI.
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Thank you for watching until the end today.
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See you in the next video! bye bye!

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Master Real-Life Cafe Conversations: A Practical Guide

Imagine walking into a cozy cafe in Japan—you need to greet the staff, state your party size, and maybe even mention a reservation. The video breaks down these exact scenarios, making it easy to learn how to navigate entering, ordering, and checking out. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to practice real-world dialogue, this conversation is a goldmine for building confidence in everyday interactions. And if you’re working on IELTS speaking practice or aiming to improve English pronunciation, the clear structure of these exchanges is perfect for honing your skills.

Useful Chunks & Collocations to Memorize

  • “How many people?” and responses like “There are 2 of us”—essential for stating party size.
  • “This is [Name], I made a reservation for [time]”—a polite way to confirm a booking.
  • “Please wait a moment while I confirm your seat”—common staff phrase when seats are busy.
  • “It’s currently full, but we can offer a seat in 30 minutes”—useful for understanding wait times.
  • “Please sit in any available seat”—a friendly instruction to choose your table.

These phrases aren’t just for Japanese cafes—they’re universal in structure, making them great for learn english with youtube sessions. By memorizing these chunks, you’ll quickly adapt to similar situations in English-speaking countries too.

Your Shadowing Challenge: Speak Like a Native

Ready to practice? Try this shadow speech exercise: Play the video’s dialogue, pause after each line, and repeat it aloud—mimicking the tone, rhythm, and intonation. Focus on matching the speed and stress of the speaker. This technique, called shadowspeaks, is proven to improve pronunciation and fluency. Do this for 5 minutes a day, and you’ll notice your confidence soar. For extra practice, record yourself and compare it to the video—you’ll catch small mistakes and refine your delivery. Remember, the key is to practice regularly—even short sessions make a big difference!

Whether you’re prepping for a trip or sharpening your English, this cafe conversation is a practical tool. Use the chunks, try the shadowing challenge, and watch your speaking skills transform.

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

StructureIn the video
Present perfect continuous have/has been + -ing — an action that started earlier and is still going onhave been waiting · have been using
Conditional sentences if + clause, will/would + verb — a condition and its resultif you practice it, you'll gain
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters nowhas carbonated · have improved · have decided
Relative clauses who / which + clause — extra information about a person or thingteacher who can · language, which will · teacher who speaks

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →