🤷‍♂️1️⃣🚶❓

How to Say ‘Actually, I'm not sure yet whether one person can come.’ in Japanese

実は一人来られるかまだ分からなくて。

jitsu wa hitori ko rareru ka mada wakara naku te

[jitsu wah hi-to-ri koh ra-re-ru ka mah-dah wah-KAH-rah naku teh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Opening with 実は (jitsu wa) "actually" warns the listener that a complication is coming. Staff will usually step in with options without you having to ask outright.

Phrase Breakdown

実は一人来られるか

jitsu wa hitori ko rareru ka

actually, whether one person can come

実は (じつは) means 'actually, to tell the truth.' It introduces new information: ji-tsu-wa hi-to-ri ko-ra-re-ru ka.

Example

実は明日休みなんです。

Actually, I'm off tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

実

jitsu

[jitsu]

in fact, actually

Used to reveal real facts or truth.

Example

実は今日、誕生日です。

Actually, today is my birthday.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

一人

hitori

[hi-to-ri]

one person

Refers to a single individual.

Example

私は一人で来ました。

I came alone.

来

[koh]

come

Stem of the verb 来る (to come), read 'ko' before られる.

Example

友達が家に来ます。

A friend comes to my house.

られる

rareru

[ra-re-ru]

can

Indicates possibility or ability to do something.

Example

泳げられる。

I can swim.

か

[ka]

question particle

Used to create a yes/no question in informal speech.

Example

行くか？

Shall we go?

まだ分からなくて。

mada wakara naku te

I don't know yet.

Ending with なくて sounds soft and apologetic.

Example

答えがまだ分からなくて。

I don't know the answer yet.

Words in this phrase

まだ

mada

[mah-dah]

still; yet

Used to say there is still some amount of time remaining.

Example

まだチャンスはある。

There is still a chance.

分から

wakara

[wah-KAH-rah]

understand; know (negative stem)

Stem of 分かる used before negative endings.

Example

意味が分からない。

I don't understand the meaning.

なく

naku

[naku]

not

Negative form indicator.

Example

今日は行けなくなった。

I can't go today.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

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 Lesson

What 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