How to Say ‘My Japanese is still poor, so’ in Japanese
日本語まだ下手なんで
nihon go mada heta na n de
[Nihon goh ma-da heh-TAH nah n deh]
💬 Usage Tip: 下手 is read (heta), and なんで here means "so/because", not "why".
Phrase Breakdown
日本語
nihon go
Japanese (language)
Pronounce it ni-hon-go. Make the ん a full beat.
日本語を勉強しています。
I'm studying Japanese.
Words in this phrase
日本
nihon
[Nihon]
Japan
Country located in East Asia.
日本は美しい国です。
Japan is a beautiful country.
語
go
[goh]
language
Suffix meaning language, attached to country names.
英語を話します。
I speak English.
まだ下手なんで
mada heta na n de
since (I'm) still bad at it
まだ means 'still' and 下手 means 'bad at'. なんで is a casual 'because'.
料理はまだ下手なんで。
Since I'm still bad at cooking.
Words in this phrase
まだ
mada
[ma-da]
still
Indicates continuation of an action or state.
まだ終わっていません。
It's not finished yet.
下手
heta
[heh-TAH]
bad at; unskilled
Na-adjective meaning poor at a skill.
私は料理が下手です。
I'm bad at cooking.
な
na
[nah]
-like; adjectival linker
Connects よう to a noun, making a phrase like 'family-like.'
家族のような雰囲気は魅力的です。
A family-like atmosphere is attractive.
ん
n
[n]
explanatory tone
Adds explanation or background to what the speaker is saying.
写真のプロジェクトをしているんだ。
I'm doing a photography project, you know.
で
de
[deh]
so; because (part of んで)
With ん, gives a reason casually.
疲れたんで、帰ります。
I'm tired, so I'll go home.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager