Introduction
In Japan, the massive English‑learning industry and the charm of “someone nearby who speaks English” often means native or fluent English speakers get asked, “英語教えて” (teach me English). While many Japanese friends feel lucky to have someone they can practice with, others feel uneasy when treated like a language resource. How can you respond tactfully—without offending, while maintaining your boundaries? This post explores polite, clever replies in Japanese to that phrase.
1. Understanding the Situation
1‑1 Why people ask “Teach me English”
Often, when someone hears you speak English, they react with genuine curiosity:
- “Can you really speak English?”
- “Maybe you’re exaggerating?”
- “If you speak it, let me hear!”
They might expect you to correct or tutor them—sometimes assuming free lessons 👀.
That expectation can feel awkward if you’re not interested in playing tutor or having your English used as a tool on demand.
1‑2 What is your goal?
Before responding, consider what YOU want:
- Confirm your skills?
- Show off?
- Avoid public embarrassment?
- Turn down tutoring politely?
Understanding your own goal will shape your response strategy. It’s like being asked to perform a party trick—you may want to prove skill, but on your own terms.
2. Categories of Responses in Japanese
Below are Japanese templates with nuances and suggested English equivalents. Choose according to how light or firm you intend the reply to be.
2‑1 Friendly but deflecting
- 「え？ちょっとしか話せないよ（笑）」
Lighthearted humility. - 「言えるかもだけど、英語で質問してくれる？」
If they ask in English, you’ll respond—otherwise politely decline.- e.g., “Sure I can try—ask me in English 😊”
This approach flips the ball back, making it conversational and playful.
- e.g., “Sure I can try—ask me in English 😊”
2‑2 Offering limited help
- 「文法とかなら、教えるよりおすすめの本を紹介するよ」
You’re not a teacher, but you share resources. - 「ちょっとならいいよ。週に一回10分くらいならね」
Offer minimal, controlled time.
2‑3 Turning it into conversation
Instead of offering lessons, invite them to a casual language exchange:
- 「じゃ英語と日本語でお互い話してみる？」
Encourages mutual effort and balances giving and receiving. - 「せっかくだから、君も英語で質問してよ」
Yours becomes a two‑way game. Often they’ll back off if they can’t ask in English.
2‑4 Assertive, boundary-setting
These are softer than a flat “no”, but firm:
- 「ごめん、今ちょっと余裕ないんだ」
Temporal excuse without rejection. - 「教えるっていうとすごく責任感じちゃうから…」
Politely declinational, implying gravity you don’t want. - 「誰かちゃんと教えられる先生を探す方がいいと思う」
Suggest professional help instead of relying on a friend.
3. Sample Dialogues
Scenario A: Light and playful
A‑san:「えっ、英語話せるの？教えてよ！」
You:「ほんのちょっとだけだけど😂…じゃ、ちょっと英語で質問してくれる？」
This often leads to them hesitating or switching topics. They realize “teach me” means effort on their part, too.
Scenario B: Polite deflection with resource suggestion
A‑san:「私、英語苦手だから教えてほしいな〜」
You:「いいよ！でも僕、教えるの専門じゃないから、『おすすめの文法本』紹介するね。役立つと思う！」
You offer help, but not at zero cost to your time.
Scenario C: Trading roles
A‑san:「英語教えて！」
You:「OK！でも〇〇さんも日本語教えてよ。お互い話してみる？」
This frames it as a language-exchange rather than one‑sided tutoring.
4. Why these approaches work
4‑1 Respecting both sides
People asking usually mean well. But if they expect free lessons, it risks turning you into a tool. By redirecting or balancing the interaction, you maintain mutual respect.
4‑2 Subtle firmness
Using humor, suggestion of effort, or swapping roles lets you set boundaries without conflict. You’re not shutting them down—but you’re not being used, either.
4‑3 Empowering their independence
Suggesting books, apps, structured lessons, or other friends encourages them to take responsibility for their learning. That’s far more effective—and kinder in the long run.
5. Tips for English speakers interacting in Japan
5‑1 Practice “Yes, but…” responses
Rather than saying “No”, try:
- “Yes, I can try—but if you ask in English!”
- “I’d love to share—but I’m not a teacher”
- “Sure—but let me suggest books instead of long lessons.”
These soft transitions respect their request, yet preserve your autonomy.
5‑2 Use a question back strategy
Turning the request into a question back (“Ask me in English?” or “What about your English?”) puts some effort back to them.
5‑3 Keep it short and light
A brief, kind reply defuses the situation faster than over‑explaining.
5‑4 Be consistent
If asked repeatedly, keep the same tone and limits. That clarity helps everyone understand your boundaries.
6. Real-life tested responses
From Japanese blog writers and returnees:
- Use playful humor to deflect.
“…秒速で頭切り替えて質問するんです！” (“I flip into English in a flash and ask you!”) has been shared as a fun tactic. - Many suggest turning the request around: “そっちも英語で話してね！” (“You ask in English, too!”) プログリット〖公式〗｜英語コーチングスクール+1Note.
- Some caution: “Just teaching English by giving sentences one after another is unrealistic” – better to direct them to self‑study resources like grammar books, not rely on casual tutoring. Yahoo! Chiebukuro起業家の成長を支える春日井コワーキングスペース・シェアオフィス Room8.
7. Example scripts in Japanese and English (for practice)
| Japanese phrase | English equivalent |
|---|---|
| 「ちょっとしか話せないよ（笑）」 | “I only speak a little (haha), but…” |
| 「英語で質問してくれたら答える👍」 | “If you ask me in English, I’ll answer!” |
| 「教えるの専門じゃないから本紹介でいい？」 | “I’m not a professional teacher, so can I just recommend a book?” |
| 「お互い言語交換しよう！」 | “Let’s do a language exchange—English and Japanese.” |
| 「ごめん、今ちょっと余裕なくて」 | “Sorry, I’m a bit busy right now.” |
| 「誰かプロの先生探した方がいいかも」 | “You might find a proper teacher more helpful.” |
8. Personal reflections (独自の視点)
- Be aware of cultural context: In Japan, requests like “教えて” often come from admiration or politeness, not entitlement. Yet it can place invisible pressure.
- It’s a chance to educate: You can subtly teach them respecting boundaries in both languages—without being pushy.
- Language exchange builds connection: I’ve found that offering conversational exchange (English ↔ Japanese) not only protects your time, but often leads to deeper, mutual friendship.
- Setting limits doesn’t mean rejection: Most people appreciate your honesty more than indefinite availability.
9. Conclusion
When a Japanese friend says, “教えて英語”, your thoughtful response can preserve good rapport while staying comfortable. By using light humor, inviting reciprocal effort, offering resources instead of free tutoring, or politely setting limits—you respect both your time and their curiosity. You help them feel encouraged without making yourself a resource.
English speakers in Japan often feel awkward being asked to tutor informally. But if they respond with clarity—and a touch of kindness—it not only diffuses the awkwardness, but can deepen the connection.
