The most sustained argument between me and a Japanese taxi driver in years: Her: “I am sure I missed the correct turn at Shibuya and so this overcharged you.” Me: “I was not paying attention but this feels appropriate.” “Is this what you usually pay?” “Approximately yes.” / 2
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“So what you are saying is that it is a little high.” “Well there is some variance in prices given traffic conditions, weather, etc, so naturally it is not always the same price.” “I knew it please let me discount this.” “I could not possibly acc... wait let me rephrase that.”
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Me: “I do not feel circumstances necessitate a discount because this fare is within standard bounds for my commute.” Her: “You are quite polite but I know that...” Me: “Apologies, I know, I know I almost said the I want-a-discount deflection but this is my third language. Sorry.”
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Her: “Wait you we’re really, actually good here.” Me: “We are exactly good. Please accept my apologies for the miscommunication. Her: “Please accept my apologies for the missed turn.” Me: “*pleasant nothings* Paying by Suica please.”
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(As always, translation is a creative act, so there may be something introduced into this conversation by the format you’re perceiving it in. I believe as a professional that I got the essence right but third language while tired in an unexpectedly novel scenario.)
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I studied Spanish for about 8 years prior to Japanese but have maybe low intermediate proficiency orally, slightly higher reading.
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