Likes · part 2 — not my thing

Say what's just not your thing with easy confidence.

苦手なことを、自分らしく正直に断れるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

~ isn't really my thing
I never really got into ~
I'll pass on ~
It's just not for me

Example conversation

AA few of us are doing karaoke after work — you coming?
BAh, karaoke isn't really my thing. I never really got into it.
ANo singing required! Just come and watch.
BTempting, but I'll pass tonight. It's just not for me.
AFair enough. What is your thing, then?
BGive me a quiet pub and a good chat any day.

In context

I've made peace with the fact that some things just aren't my thing. Karaoke, for example — I never really got into it, and I'll happily pass when the group heads there. It's nothing against anyone; it's just not for me. I think being honest about what you don't enjoy is underrated. You save everyone the awkwardness of dragging you somewhere you'll hate. What's something that's just not your thing?

When to use it · practice

Drew invites you to karaoke. Decline with personality.
Drewがカラオケに誘います。自分らしく断りましょう。
Explain it's nothing personal. Say it's just not for you.
悪気はないと説明しましょう。「ただ自分には合わない」と言いましょう。
Redirect to what you like. Say what your thing actually is.
好きなことに話を向けましょう。本当の「自分の好き」を言いましょう。

Practice this for real

Say these phrases out loud with instant pronunciation feedback tuned for Japanese speakers.

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