【Filipino Guide】Navigating Natto: Essential Phrases & Cultural Tips for Japanese Food!

Konnichiwa, future Japanese speakers! As your guide from a Japanese language school, I’m thrilled to welcome you on this exciting journey of learning Japanese and preparing for life in Japan. Today, we’re diving into a topic that often sparks curiosity, hesitation, and sometimes, even a little fear among our students: Natto!

You might have heard of it – those unique, sticky, fermented soybeans. For many Filipinos, the first encounter with Natto can be quite an experience, perhaps different from the familiar flavors and textures of Filipino cuisine. But don’t worry! Understanding Japanese food, especially dishes like Natto, is not just about expanding your palate; it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and, crucially, to boost your daily conversation skills for the JFT-Basic exam and beyond. Think of it as a delicious adventure that also helps you practice your Japanese!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what Natto is, learn essential Japanese phrases to talk about food, and share practical tips for embracing new culinary experiences in Japan. My goal is to make you feel confident, prepared, and excited, not just about trying Natto, but about navigating any new situation in Japan with your growing Japanese language skills. Ready? Let’s begin!

What Exactly is Natto? A Dive into Japan’s Unique Superfood

Let’s start with the basics. What is Natto, anyway? At its core, Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans that have been fermented with a special bacterium called Bacillus subtilis natto. This fermentation process is what gives Natto its distinctive characteristics:

• The Sticky Texture (ねばねば – Nebaneba)

  This is perhaps the most famous (or infamous!) trait of Natto. When stirred, it produces long, stringy, sticky threads. This unique texture is often a significant hurdle for those trying Natto for the first time. It’s truly unlike anything else!

• The Pungent Aroma (においが強い – Nioi ga Tsuyoi)

  Natto has a strong, earthy, and sometimes cheese-like smell. While it can be off-putting for some, many Japanese people find this aroma appealing, associating it with a healthy and traditional breakfast.

• The Umami Flavor (うま味 – Umami)

  Despite its challenging texture and smell for newcomers, Natto boasts a rich umami flavor that deepens as you chew. It often comes with small packets of soy sauce (たれ – tare) and Japanese mustard (からし – karashi) which are mixed in to enhance the taste.

• Nutritional Powerhouse

  Beyond its unique sensory profile, Natto is celebrated as a superfood in Japan. It’s packed with protein, dietary fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin K2, vital for bone health), and probiotics, making it incredibly beneficial for digestion and overall well-being. It’s a staple in many Japanese diets for a reason!

As a teacher, I’ve noticed that Filipinos, who are no strangers to fermented foods like bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) or buro (fermented rice and fish), might still find Natto’s combination of sticky texture and pungent aroma surprisingly different. It’s a whole new experience for your senses, and that’s perfectly okay! Approach it with an open mind, and perhaps a dash of curiosity.

Essential Japanese Phrases for Food Exploration and Daily Life

Learning how to talk about food in Japanese isn’t just for ordering at restaurants; it’s fundamental for daily communication, understanding cultural nuances, and performing well in the JFT-Basic, which often features practical scenarios. Here are some essential phrases, especially useful when encountering new foods like Natto:

• Expressing Likes and Dislikes (Politely!)

  In Japanese culture, direct refusal or strong negative expressions are often avoided. Learning polite ways to express preferences is key.

  • 「〜が好きです。」 ( ~ ga suki desu. ) – I like ~.

    This is your go-to phrase for expressing what you enjoy. For example:
    「納豆が好きです。」 (Nattō ga suki desu.) – I like Natto.
    「日本料理が好きです。」 (Nihon ryōri ga suki desu.) – I like Japanese food.

  • 「〜は苦手です。」 ( ~ wa nigate desu. ) – I’m not good with ~. (Polite way to say you don’t like it)

    This phrase is incredibly useful and shows cultural sensitivity. Instead of saying “I don’t like it,” you’re saying “it’s not my strong suit” or “I’m not good at handling it.” It’s perfect for Natto! For example:
    「納豆は苦手です。」 (Nattō wa nigate desu.) – I’m not good with Natto.
    This is much softer and more polite than saying 「納豆は好きじゃないです。」 (Nattō wa suki janai desu. – I don’t like Natto.).

  • 「〜はあまり好きではありません。」 ( ~ wa amari suki dewa arimasen. ) – I don’t like ~ very much.

    Another polite way to express a mild dislike. The “あまり (amari)” softens the negation. For example:
    「辛いものはあまり好きではありません。」 (Karai mono wa amari suki dewa arimasen.) – I don’t like spicy food very much.

  • 「〜が食べられますか？」 ( ~ ga taberaremasu ka? ) – Can you eat ~? / Are you able to eat ~?

    Use this to ask someone about their ability to eat something, perhaps if they’re trying it for the first time. For example:
    「納豆が食べられますか？」 (Nattō ga taberaremasu ka?) – Can you eat Natto?

  • 「〜に挑戦してみたいです。」 ( ~ ni chōsen shite mitai desu. ) – I want to try to challenge myself with ~.

    This shows a positive attitude and willingness to experience new things. For example:
    「納豆に挑戦してみたいです。」 (Nattō ni chōsen shite mitai desu.) – I want to try Natto (challenge myself with it).

• Asking About and Ordering Food

  These are fundamental for daily interactions in Japan.

  • 「これは何ですか？」 ( Kore wa nan desu ka? ) – What is this?

    A simple yet powerful question when you encounter an unfamiliar dish. Very helpful in restaurants or when visiting someone’s home.

  • 「納豆、ありますか？」 ( Nattō, arimasu ka? ) – Do you have Natto? / Is Natto available?

    Useful in a restaurant or supermarket. You can replace “Nattō” with any other food item.

  • 「〜を一つお願いします。」 ( ~ o hitotsu onegai shimasu. ) – One ~ please.

    A polite way to order.
    「ご飯を一つお願いします。」 (Gohan o hitotsu onegai shimasu.) – One rice, please.
    You can also say 「もう一つお願いします。」 (Mō hitotsu onegai shimasu.) for “One more, please.”

  • 「おすすめは何ですか？」 ( Osusume wa nan desu ka? ) – What do you recommend?

    A great phrase for exploring new options and getting suggestions from locals.

• Describing Taste and Texture

  Beyond just “delicious,” being able to describe food adds depth to your conversations.

  • 「ねばねばしています。」 ( Nebaneba shite imasu. ) – It’s sticky/slimy.

    The perfect phrase for Natto’s most famous characteristic.

  • 「においが強いです。」 ( Nioi ga tsuyoi desu. ) – The smell is strong.

    Another apt description for Natto. You can also use 「香りがいいです。」 (Kaori ga ii desu.) for “It smells good/aromatic.”

  • 「美味しいです！」 ( Oishii desu! ) – It’s delicious!

    The universal compliment! Remember to say this with enthusiasm.

  • 「独特な味です。」 ( Dokutoku na aji desu. ) – It has a unique taste.

    A neutral and polite way to describe something unusual without being negative. Very handy for Natto!

  • 「慣れると美味しいです。」 ( Nareru to oishii desu. ) – It’s delicious once you get used to it.

    A common sentiment about Natto, reflecting the idea that it’s an acquired taste.

  • 「辛い (karai)」 (spicy), 「甘い (amai)」 (sweet), 「しょっぱい (shoppai)」 (salty), 「酸っぱい (suppai)」 (sour), 「苦い (nigai)」 (bitter).

    Basic taste adjectives that are crucial for describing any food.

My advice as a teacher? Practice these phrases! Role-play with a friend or even just with yourself in front of a mirror. The more you use them, the more natural they’ll feel. Remember, the JFT-Basic assesses your practical communication skills, and discussing daily life topics like food is a huge part of that.

Practical Tips for Trying Natto (and Other New Japanese Foods!)

So, you’ve learned the phrases. Now, how do you actually approach eating Natto, especially if you’re feeling a bit hesitant? Here are some insider tips, designed to ease you into this unique experience:

• Start Small and Mix Well

  Don’t just dive in with a big spoonful! Begin with a small amount. The traditional way to eat Natto is by mixing it vigorously with chopsticks until it becomes frothy and even more sticky. This process is believed to enhance its flavor and aroma. Aim for 50-100 stirs!

• Embrace the Condiments

  Natto usually comes with two small packets: tare (タレ – soy sauce-based seasoning) and karashi (からし – Japanese mustard). These are your best friends! Mix them in thoroughly. Many Japanese people also add chopped green onions (ネギ – negi), a raw egg yolk (卵の黄身 – tamago no kimi), or even a dash of chili oil (ラー油 – rāyu) or shichimi tōgarashi (七味唐辛子 – seven-spice chili powder) to customize the taste. Experiment to find your preferred combination!

• Serve It Over Hot Rice

  Natto is almost always eaten over a bowl of hot steamed rice (ご飯 – gohan). The warmth of the rice helps to mellow the Natto’s strong aroma and texture, making it easier to eat. The combination of sticky Natto with fluffy rice is a classic Japanese breakfast.

• Consider Natto Rolls (Nattomaki)

  If eating it straight from the container with rice is too much, try Nattomaki. These are sushi rolls with Natto as the filling. The seaweed and rice provide a different texture and flavor profile that can make the Natto experience more palatable for beginners.

• Don’t Sniff It First!

  Seriously, just dive in. The smell is often the biggest deterrent. Once it’s in your mouth, the flavor and texture take over, and for many, it’s a surprising and pleasant experience. Just like some of our delicious Filipino dishes, the aroma might be strong, but the taste is rewarding!

• Remember the Health Benefits

  Knowing that you’re eating something incredibly healthy can often provide that extra push you need. It’s not just food; it’s medicine!

• It’s Okay to Not Like It!

  Even many Japanese people don’t like Natto! If you try it and it’s simply not for you, that’s absolutely fine. The important thing is that you tried, you engaged with the culture, and you learned some new Japanese phrases in the process. You can politely say 「納豆はちょっと苦手です。」 (Nattō wa chotto nigate desu. – I’m a little not good with Natto.) and no one will be offended.

My insight from teaching Filipino students is this: we’re often used to strong flavors, but the *texture* of Natto is what truly challenges us. Think of it less like food and more like a cultural rite of passage. It’s a fun story to tell later, and a true sign of your immersion!

JFT-Basic and Daily Life Japanese: How Food Connects

You might be wondering, “How does eating Natto relate to the JFT-Basic?” The connection is stronger than you think! The JFT-Basic assesses your ability to use basic Japanese for daily life communication, and what’s more “daily life” than food?

• Listening Comprehension (聞く – Kiku)

  You might hear conversations about food preferences, people ordering meals, or friends discussing what they ate for breakfast. Understanding terms like 「朝ごはん」 (asagohan – breakfast), 「定食」 (teishoku – set meal), and adjectives for taste is crucial.

  Example JFT-Basic style scenario: A dialogue where someone asks, “Do you want to eat Natto for breakfast?” and you need to understand their question and perhaps choose a polite response. Or a recording of someone describing how they prepare Natto, testing your vocabulary of verbs like 「混ぜる」 (mazeru – to mix) or 「かける」 (kakeru – to pour/sprinkle).

• Reading Comprehension (読む – Yomu)

  Menus, food labels, simple recipes, or short social media posts about food are common reading materials. Being able to recognize food names, ingredients, and simple instructions will be invaluable.

  Example JFT-Basic style scenario: A short notice about a Japanese breakfast buffet, listing items like “Natto,” “miso soup,” “rice.” You’d need to identify what food options are available.

• Vocabulary Building

  Every new food you encounter in Japan is an opportunity to expand your vocabulary. From ingredients and cooking methods to descriptive adjectives, the world of Japanese food is a treasure trove of words relevant to daily life.

  Focus on words beyond just the food item itself. Learn verbs like “食べる” (taberu – to eat), “飲む” (nomu – to drink), “作る” (tsukuru – to make/cook). Learn adjectives like “美味しい” (oishii – delicious), “まずい” (mazui – bad tasting – use sparingly!), and texture words like “ねばねば” (nebaneba – sticky) or “ふわふわ” (fuwafuwa – fluffy).

• Cultural Understanding

  The JFT-Basic indirectly tests your understanding of Japanese culture through its scenarios. Knowing about common breakfast foods like Natto, typical meal timings, or dining etiquette enhances your ability to navigate social situations and understand the context of conversations.

  For instance, understanding the phrase 「いただきます」 (Itadakimasu) before a meal and 「ごちそうさまでした」 (Gochisousama deshita) after a meal isn’t just politeness; it’s a deep cultural expression of gratitude for the food and effort put into it. These simple phrases are part of the JFT-Basic’s emphasis on practical, culturally appropriate communication.

My role as your teacher is to remind you that language learning isn’t just about memorizing grammar rules. It’s about connecting with a culture. Food is one of the most direct and enjoyable ways to do that. Each new dish you try, and each new phrase you learn to describe it, is a step closer to fluency and confidence in Japan.

Overcoming Challenges for Filipino Learners: Food and Language Together

As Filipinos, we bring our own unique cultural and linguistic background to learning Japanese. This can be both an advantage and present specific challenges, especially when it comes to food and communication.

• Pronunciation Nuances:

  Japanese pronunciation, especially the vowel sounds and the ‘r’ sound (which is often somewhere between an English ‘l’ and ‘d’), can be tricky. For food names, practice saying them out loud. For example, “Natto” isn’t “Nat-toh” but closer to “Nah-ttoh,” with a subtle double consonant. The length of vowels matters too, as it can change the meaning of a word. For instance, 「おばさん」 (obasan – aunt) vs. 「おばあさん」 (obaasan – grandmother). While less critical for food names directly, good pronunciation improves overall comprehension and speaking confidence.

• Politeness Levels (Keigo – 敬語):

  Filipino culture has its own forms of politeness, but Japanese politeness (Keigo) is a complex system. When talking about food, especially with someone older or in a service setting (like a restaurant), using polite forms like “-desu” and “-masu” is essential. Learning phrases like 「〜は苦手です」 is a prime example of indirect politeness. Unlike the directness common in some Filipino expressions, Japanese often prefers subtlety to avoid confrontation or discomfort.

  Teacher’s Insight: Filipinos often use direct negative phrases like “Ayoko” (I don’t like) in Tagalog. In Japanese, this can sound blunt. Remember “Nigate desu” or “Amari suki dewa arimasen” are your polite alternatives. Mastering this nuance is key to smooth interactions in Japan.

• Cultural Etiquette:

  Beyond language, understanding dining etiquette is crucial. In the Philippines, sharing food from a common plate is common, and it’s normal to offer food generously. In Japan, while sharing is done, there are specific norms like not passing food from chopstick to chopstick. These small differences can lead to misunderstandings if you’re not aware.

  • Itadakimasu and Gochisousama deshita: Always say 「いただきます」 (Itadakimasu) before eating, showing gratitude for the food, and 「ごちそうさまでした」 (Gochisousama deshita) after eating, thanking everyone involved in preparing and serving the meal. These are non-negotiable in Japanese dining.
  • Chopstick Etiquette: Never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl (it resembles an offering at a funeral), don’t point with them, and don’t rub them together (it implies they’re cheap).
  • Slurping Noodles: Unlike many cultures, slurping noodles (ramen, udon, soba) is not only acceptable but often encouraged as a sign of enjoying your meal! This might feel unusual at first, but it’s part of the experience.

  These aren’t just rules; they’re expressions of respect and appreciation that are deeply ingrained in Japanese society. Learning them alongside the language will make your life in Japan much smoother and more enjoyable.

Integrating Language Learning with Cultural Immersion (Beyond Food)

Learning Japanese isn’t confined to textbooks and classrooms. True mastery comes from immersing yourself in the culture, and food is a fantastic entry point. Here are some ways to integrate your language studies with cultural exploration:

• Watch Japanese Cooking Shows and Food Vlogs:

  Platforms like YouTube are goldmines! Search for Japanese cooking channels (e.g., Cooking with Dog, JunsKitchen) or travel vlogs that feature food. Pay attention to the vocabulary used to describe ingredients, cooking methods, and tastes. Even if you don’t understand everything, listening to native speakers in a natural context is incredibly beneficial for your listening skills.

• Read Simple Japanese Recipes:

  Find simple recipes for common Japanese dishes online or in beginner Japanese cookbooks. Focus on identifying ingredients (材料 – zairyō), measurements (量 – ryō), and verbs (動詞 – dōshi) for actions like chopping (切る – kiru), mixing (混ぜる – mazeru), and heating (温める – atatameru). This will build your practical vocabulary and reading comprehension.

• Visit Japanese Groceries in the Philippines:

  Many major cities in the Philippines have Japanese supermarkets or sections in large grocery stores. Go explore! Look at the packaging, try to read the labels (even just the hiragana or katakana), and identify familiar ingredients. This makes learning feel tangible and relevant.

• Practice Speaking About Food with Language Partners:

  If you have Japanese friends or language exchange partners, dedicate some time to discussing food. Ask them about their favorite dishes, what they eat for breakfast, or what unique foods they recommend trying. Share your own favorite Filipino dishes and explain them in Japanese. This is excellent practice for real-life conversations.

• Keep a Food Journal in Japanese:

  After trying a new Japanese dish (like Natto!), write a few sentences about it in Japanese. Describe its taste, texture, and whether you liked it. This is a great way to reinforce vocabulary and grammar in a personal and meaningful context.

Remember, every step you take to explore Japanese culture, whether it’s trying a new food or watching a Japanese TV show, is also a step in your language learning journey. It makes the language more alive, more relatable, and ultimately, more enjoyable to learn. Embrace these opportunities, and you’ll find your Japanese skills flourishing naturally.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey, One Bite and One Phrase at a Time!

Navigating new experiences, whether it’s learning a new language or trying a unique food like Natto, is all part of the exciting adventure of preparing for life in Japan. We’ve talked about what Natto is, armed you with essential Japanese phrases to discuss food, given you practical tips for trying new things, and shown you how all of this connects directly to your JFT-Basic preparation and overall cultural immersion.

As your teacher, my biggest encouragement to you is this: be brave, be curious, and be patient with yourself. Some things, like the taste for Natto, are acquired, and so is fluency in a new language. Every phrase you learn, every new food you try, every cultural nuance you grasp – these are all victories! They build your confidence, enrich your understanding, and make your journey to Japan truly unforgettable.

So, the next time you encounter Natto, or any new Japanese dish, remember the phrases we discussed today. Try saying 「挑戦してみたいです！」 (I want to try it!), or politely expressing your preference with 「苦手です」 (I’m not good with it). You’re not just eating; you’re speaking, learning, and growing. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and remember that we at Samurai Japan Business Center Inc. are always here to support your dreams!

Gambatte kudasai (Good luck, keep up the effort)! Your Japanese journey is just beginning, and it’s filled with delicious discoveries.