Have you ever mixed up words in English and Japanese? I have—and it led to one of the most embarrassing moments of my life!
It was my first week in Japan, and I was so excited to order my favorite drink: coffee. I walked into a cute little café, ready to practice my Japanese. I confidently said, 「コップをください！」 (Koppu o kudasai!), thinking I was asking for a "cup" of coffee.
But instead of looking impressed, the barista stared at me confusedly. I repeated myself, thinking maybe I hadn’t pronounced it—still, nothing. My Japanese friend, who was with me, started laughing uncontrollably.
Turns out, I had accidentally said 「コップ」 (koppu) instead of 「カップ」 (kappu). While both words mean "cup," 「コップ」 is more commonly used for a drinking glass, not a coffee cup. But the real kicker? My friend told me that with my accent, it sounded like I was saying 「コップ」 (cop)—as in, a police officer!
So, there I was, unknowingly asking for a "cop" of coffee. No wonder the barista looked so confused!
Mistakes like this are embarrassing at the time, but they’re also a great way to learn. Now, I always encourage my students to laugh at their mistakes and keep trying. After all, every mix-up is a step closer to mastering the language!
Have you ever mixed up words in English or Japanese? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!
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