Customer Reviews

Express Japanese: Learn to Speak and Understand Japanese with Pimsleur Language Programs (Pimsleur Express)

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The first chapter is a GREAT, reassuring 30 minute "Do you understand English?", "Do you understand English" lesson. I could really speak these helpful phrases after 2 morning commutes. The rest of the chapters are about 3 minutes in length and just go way to fast to understand anything. They are also random situations such as "I have a stomach ache".
From other reviews I read, the $35 or $45 (amazon priced) Pimsleur versions have more of the terrific 30 minute lessons.
Although all is not lost, the box does include a helpful phrase card and small booklet of the random conversations on the CD.

In my opinion, this just gives you 1, 30 minute audio chapter in hopes you'll buy the larger one. Just save the $10-12 on this and buy the other.

If you need a quick primer on Japanese for a short jaunt to Japan to get some work done, this CD will adquately teach you enough about pronunciation to get you by - along with an English to Japanese travel book. With about 20 words under your belt and the resouce to find an pronounce the word you need (when you need it)- you will survive. When I got sick in Japan it was worth a million to be able to say "I have a cough" and then pay 2,500 yen for 8 sudafed!

Don't rely on one resource alone - you will be disappointed.