Guide • Memory
Move to remember: TPR for survival Japanese
I used to forget phrases right after I learned them. When I paired words with small actions, they stuck.
TPR is simple. You hear a phrase, do the action, and repeat. It works well for survival Japanese.
TL;DR: Say the phrase while doing the action. Your body remembers what your brain drops.
What to do today: Pick three action phrases and act them out once.
Why TPR works
Total Physical Response links language to movement. That extra signal helps memory and lowers stress. It is especially good for early survival phrases.
It also leans on comprehension first. You act on the phrase before you can say it. That lowers pressure and keeps your brain in listening mode.
The theory is simple. If you hear a phrase and move at the same time, you build a physical cue that helps recall. This is why action verbs and service phrases stick so well with TPR.
TPR is not the whole plan. It works best for concrete actions. For abstract grammar and long sentences, use a different loop.
The TPR loop
- Pick three action phrases. Sit, stand, write, wait.
- Say and do. Move as you speak.
- Repeat three times. Keep it short.
- Use it once in real life. Clinics and counters are perfect.
In TabiTalk, I use a Scenario drill and act it out at home before I need it.
Action phrases you will hear
Please sit down.
suwatte kudasai. 座ってください。
Clinics and banks use this often. Sit as you say it.
Please wait a moment.
chotto matte kudasai. ちょっと待ってください。
Pause and hold your hand up while you say it.
Please line up here.
koko ni narande kudasai. ここに並んでください。
Use your hand to point as you say it.
Please write your name here.
koko ni namae o kaite kudasai. ここに名前を書いてください。
Mime writing as you say it.
Staff: koko ni namae o kaite kudasai. (ここに名前を書いてください。)
Me: hai. (はい。)
Related guides to practise with
Sources
If you want action based practice at home
TabiTalk makes it easy to rehearse short scenarios before you go out. You can try it on iOS or Android.