Essential Japanese Speak Japanese With Confidence (Japanese Phrasebook Dictionary)

Small Talk (female) That’s what (f) Otokot-tay mina soh yoo no-ne
they all say (f) Kiken-wa sakay mashoh-yo
(m) Kiken-wa sakay-yoh-yo
(female) We shouldn’t Kondom motteru?
take any risks

(male) We shouldn’t
take any risks

Do you have a condom?

(female) No? In that (f) Sore-nara, yamemashoh

case we won’t do it

3 (male) No? In that case (m) Sore-nara, yameyoh

we won’t do it

3.9 Congratulations and condolences

Happy birthday/many Otanjohbi omedetoh gozaimas
happy returns Kokoro-kara o-kuyami mohshi-agemas

Please accept my
condolences

3.10 Arrangements

When will I see Kondo itsu aemas-ka
you again? Kono shoomatsu ohima des-ka
Nani-ka kay-kaku shimashoh-ka
Are you free over the
weekend?

What shall we do?

Where shall we meet? Doko-de aimashoh-ka

Will you pick me/us up? Kuruma-de hirottay kudasaimas-ka

Shall I pick you up? Kuruma-de hirottay agemashoh-ka

50

I have to be home by... ...ji-made-ni kaera-nakeraba-narimasen

(female) I don’t want (f) Moh aitaku-nigh-wa Small Talk
to see you anymore (m) Moh aitaku-nigh-yo

(male) I don’t want to
see you anymore

3.11 Being the host(ess) 3

See also 4 Eating out

Can I offer you a drink? Nani-ka onomi-ni-narimasen-ka

What would you like to Nani-o onomi-ni narimas-ka
drink? Tabako-wa ikaga des-ka
Hamaki-wa ikaga des-ka
Would you like a
cigarette?

Would you like a cigar?

Something non-alcoholic, Arukohru-nashi no nomimono-o

please kuda-sigh

I don’t smoke Tabako-wa suimasen

3.12 Saying good-bye

Can I take you home? Okuttay ittay-mo ee des-ka

Can I write? Tegami-o kaitay-mo ee des-ka

Can I email you? May-ru wo shite-mo e-des-ka

Can I call you? Denwa-o kaketay-mo ee des-ka

51

Will you write to me? Tegami-o kuremas-ka

Will you call me? Denwa-o kuremas-ka

Small Talk Can I have your address? Anata-no joosho-o oshietay
kuremas-ka

Can I have your phone Anata-no denwa bango-o oshietay
number? kuremas-ka

3 May I know your email Me-ru adores-wo oshiete kuda-sigh

address?

Thanks for everything Iro-iro arigatoh goza-i-mashta

It was very nice Totemo tanoshikatta des

Say hello to... ... san ni yoroshku

All the best Genki de-ne

When will you be back? Itsu kaeru?

(female) I’ll be waiting (f) Matteru-wa
for you
(m) Matteru-yo
(male) I’ll be waiting
for you (f) Mata ai-tigh-wa

(female) I’d like to see (m) Mata ai-tigh-nah
you again
Watashi-tachi-no joosho des. itsu-
(male) I’d like to see demo Amerika-ni irashtara dohzo
you again

This is our address. If
you’re ever in the U.S.,
you’d be more than
welcome

52

4Eating out 54
4.1 At the restaurant 56
4.2 Ordering 59
4.3 The bill 59
4.4 Complaints 61
4.5 Paying a compliment 61
4.6 The menu

4. Eating out

• Large cities like Tokyo offer a vast selection of restaurants

with food from all over the world. American fast food chain
outlets can be found in most neighborhoods near railway stations.
Very popular too are “family restaurants”, where wide-ranging
menus offer budget-priced dishes to suit the whole family. All
department stores have two or more restaurant floors, with
individual restaurants serving most varieties of Japanese, Chinese,
and Western food. In addition there is usually a large customers’
restaurant, again with a wide selection. Food selection is made
very easy in Japan because all restaurants display in their window
wax models of the dishes offered and their prices. Family
restaurants provide a fully-illustrated menu. Only very expensive,
upscale restaurants do not do this. Children are almost always
welcome at local restaurants and those in the popular shopping
centers and stations. Traditional restaurants with tatami (straw-
matted) floors are a benefit for those with babies.

4.1 At the restaurant

I’d like to reserve a table Shichiji-ni tehburu-o yoyaku shi-tigh
for seven o’clock, please no des-nga

I’d like a table for two, Futari-yoh-no tehburu-o onegigh
please shimas

We’ve reserved Yoyaku shimashta

We haven’t reserved Yoyaku shtay imasen

What time does the Restoran-wa nanji-kara ohpen des-ka
restaurant open Restoran-wa nanji maday des-ka
What time does the
restaurant close?

54

Do you have a reservation? Eating out
What name, please?
Smoking or non-smoking? 4

Smoking, please
Non-smoking, please
This way, please
This table is reserved
We’ll have a table free in

fifteen minutes
Would you like to wait

(at the bar)?

Can we wait for a table? Tehburu-ga aku-made machi-tigh no
des-nga

Do we have to wait long? Nagaku machimas-ka

Is this seat taken? Kono seki ightay imas-ka

Could we sit here? Koko-ni suwatte-mo ee des-ka

Could we sit there? Asoko-ni suwatte-mo ee des-ka

Can we sit by the Mado-giwa-ni suwatte-mo ee des-ka
window? Soto demo taberaremas-ka

Can we eat outside?

Do you have another Isu moh ikko arimas-ka
chair for us?

Do you have a highchair? Kodomo-yoh-no isu-ga arimas-ka

55

Could you warm up this Sumimasen-ga, kono bin-o tatametay

bottle/jar for me? kuremas-ka

Not too hot, please Atsu-stuginigh yoh-ni onegai shimasu

Eating out Is there somewhere I can Bebee-room arimas-ka
change the baby’s diaper?

Where are the restrooms? Toireh-wa doko des-ka

4 Wehtah-san!
4.2 Ordering Wehtres-san!
Nani-ka tabe-tigh-n des-nga
Waiter! Nani-ka nomi-tigh-n des-nga
Nani-ka hayaku dekiru shina-wa
Waitress! arimas-ka
Isoiday iru no des-nga
We’d like something Mazu nani-ka nomi-tig-n des-nga
to eat Aygo no menyoo-wa arimas-ka
We’d like a drink Kyoh no menyoo-wa arimas-ka
Mada kimarimasen
Could I have a quick
meal?

We don’t have much
time
We’d like to have a
drink first
Do you have a menu
in English?
Do you have a dish
of the day?
We haven’t made a
choice yet

56

What do you recommend? O-susume-hin-wa nan des-ka

What are the specials? Tokubetsu ryohri-wa nan des-ka

I don’t like... ... wa ski ja nigh-n des Eating out

I don’t like fish Sakana-wa ski ja nigh-n des

I don’t like meat Niku-wa ski ja nigh-n des

What’s this? Koray-wa nan des-ka 4

Does it have...in it? ... nga ha-ittay imas-ka

Is this a hot dish? Kono ryohri-wa atata-kigh des-ka

Is this a cold dish? Kono ryohri-wa tsume-tigh des-ka

Is this sweet? Kono ryohri-wa a-migh des-ka

Is this spicy? Kono ryohri-wa ka-righ des-ka

Do you have anything Hoka-ni nani-ka arimas-ka
else, please? Sheeo-nuki-de onegai-shimas

I’m on a salt-free diet

I can’t eat pork Butaniku-wa taberare-masen

– sugar Satoh-wa taberare-masen

– fatty foods Aburap-poy ryohri-wa taberare-masen

– (hot) spices (Karigh) spighs-wa taberare-masen

57

I’ll/we’ll have what those Ano-shto-to onaji ryohri-o

people are having onegai-shimas

I’d like... ... onegai-shimas

Eating out Do you have a knife Nighf to fohk arimas-ka
and fork? Gohan moh skoshi onegigh-shimas

A little more rice please

Another glass of water, Mizu moh ip-pigh onegigh-shimas

4 please

One more please Moh hitotsu onegigh-shimas

Do you have salt and Sheeo to koshoh arimas-ka
pepper? Napukin arimas-ka

Do you have a napkin?

Do you have a spoon? Spoon arimas-ka

Do you have an ashtray? High-zara arimas-ka

Do you have any Match arimas-ka
matches? Tsuma-yohji arimas-ka
Mizu ippigh onegigh-shimas
Do you have any Stroh arimas-ka
toothpicks?

Can I have a glass of
water, please

Do you have a straw?

Let’s begin Itadakimashoh

Cheers! Kam-pigh

The next round’s on me Kondo-wa watashi-nga ogorimas

58

It’s on me today. kyoh-wa watashi no ogori des
(It’s my treat.) Gochi soh sama deshta

Thank you for the meal.

4.3 The bill Eating out

See also 8.2 Settling the bill

How much is this dish? Kono ryohri-wa ikura des-ka

Could I have the bill, Okanjoh onegigh-shimas 4
please? Zembu-de

All together

Separate checks, please Betsu-betsu de onegigh-shimas

Could we have the Moh ik-kigh menyoo-o misetay
menu again, please? kuda-sigh

The...is not on the bill ... ga hight-tay imasen

4.4 Complaints

It’s taking a very long Zuibun nagaku kakattay imas-ne
time Moh ichi-jikan-mo mattay imas
Koray-wa machigigh deshoh
We’ve been here an
hour already

This must be a mistake

This is not what I Koray-wa choomon shimasen deshta
ordered ... o choomon shimashta

I ordered...

59

There’s a dish missing Ryohri-ga ippin fusoku des

This is broken Kore-wa kowarete-imas

Eating out This is not clean Chotto koray kita-nigh no des-nga

The food’s cold Ryohri-ga tsume-tigh-n des

– not fresh Koray-wa shinsen ja nigh des

4 – too salty Koray-wa sheeo ka-righ des

– too sweet Koray-wa ama-sugimas

– too spicy Koray-wa kara-sugimas

The meat’s not done Niku-wa yaki-tarimasen

– overdone Niku-wa yaki-sugi des

– tough Niku-ga ka-tigh-n des

– spoiled Niku-ga kusattay imas

Could I have something Kawari-no shina-o kudasai-masen-ka
else instead of this? Kanjoh-nga aimasen
Koray-wa tabe-masen deshta
The bill/this amount
is not right

We didn’t have this

There’s no paper in Toiretto-pehpah-ga nigh-n des
the restroom Sekinin-sha-o yonday kuda-sigh
Will you get the
manager, please?

60

4.5 Paying a compliment

That was a wonderful Totemo oishikatta-des Eating out
meal Gochisoh sama deshta

The food was excellent

The...in particular was Toku-ni ... nga totemo oishikatta-des
delicious

4.6 The menu 4

The following are some of the most popular Japanese dishes. 61

Shabu shabu
Thin strips of pork or lamb and various vegetables cooked in
front of you in boiling water and eaten in dipping sauces.

Yakitori
Marinated chicken pieces on skewers, cooked over a brazier.

Misoshiru
Soup made from miso (paste of fermented soy beans) with tofu
and vegetables such as cabbage and small mushrooms.

Udon, soba
Thick white and thin brown noodles respectively. Served either
cold with dipping sauces (good in summer) or warm in a soup.

Chawan-mushi
Fish and vegetables steamed in an egg custard.

Tonkatsu
Pork cutlets fried in breadcrumbs and served with a thick brown
sauce.

Oyako donburi
Chicken and egg served on rice. A popular lunch dish.

Karee raisu (karay righ-su)
The Japanese version of curry and rice. Usually beef, chicken, or
pork pieces in a curry sauce.

Okonomi yaki
A Japanese pancake containing a variety of ingredients, such as
vegetables, meat and seafood. Okonomiyaki originally came from
the Hiroshima area of Japan, but is widely available throughout
the country. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region.

Eating out Onigiri

Also known as omusubi ( ) or rice ball, is a Japanese food

made from white rice formed into triangular or oval shapes and

often wrapped in nori (seaweed). Traditionally, an onigiri is filled

with pickled ume (umeboshi), salted salmon, katsuobushi, kombu,

tarako, or any other salty or sour ingredient as a natural preserva-

4 tive. Because of the popularity of onigiri in Japan, most conveni-
ence stores stock onigiri with various fillings and flavors. There are

even specialized shops whose only products are onigiri for takeout.

Omurice
Chicken ketchup rice wrapped in a thin sheet of fried egg and
usually topped with ketchup. This dish is also highly popular
with children and often featured on kids’ menus.

Yakisoba
Literally means “fried noodles.” It has ramen-style noodles, bite-
sized pork, cabbage, onions and carrots flavored with yakisoba
sauce. It is often sold at festivals in Japan.

Yakiniku
Means “grilled meat” and is similar to what is known as Korean
barbecue. Today, it commonly refers to a Japanese style of cook-
ing bite-sized meat (usually beef and offal) and vegetables on
griddles over flame of a kind of wood charcoal (sumibi ) or
gas/electric grill.

Sushi
Raw or cooked fish, vegetables, or various other ingredients over
rice seasoned with rice vinegar, Sushi is the most famous Japa-
nese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes
among the Japanese themselves. In Japan, sushi is usually
enjoyed on special occasions, such as a celebration.

62

5Getting Around
5.1 Asking directions 64

5.2 The car 65
The parts of a car 66-67

5.3 The gas station 65

5.4 Breakdowns and repairs 68

5.5 Bicycles/mopeds 70
The parts of a bicycle 72-73

5.6 Renting a vehicle 71

5.7 Hitchhiking 74

5. Getting Around

5.1 Asking directions

Excuse me, could I ask Sumimasen-nga
you something? Michi-ni mayottay shimattan-des-nga

I’ve lost my way

Is there a(n)... Kono hen-ni ... ga arimas-ka
around here? Kono michi-wa ... e ikimas-ka

Is this the way to...?

Could you tell me how ... e doh iku-ka oshietay kudasai-
to get to the... (name of masen-ka
place) by car/on foot?
E no ichiban no chika-michi wa oh
What’s the quickest ikimas-ka
way to...?

How many kilometers ... maday nankiro-gurigh-n des-ka
is it to...?
Kono chizu-de yubi-sashtay kuda-sigh
Could you point it out
on the map? Kodomo-wa kono pas-pohto-ni kinyoo
shitay arimas
My children are entered
on this passport

I am sorry, but I don’t know
my way around here

You’re going the wrong way
You have to go back to...
When you get there, ask again

64

straight ahead traffic light overpass left Getting Around
tunnel bridge right
intersection ‘yield’ arrow cross
at the corner building river
street

grade crossing/
barrier gates

5.2 The car 5

See the diagram on page 67

An international driving license is required to drive in Japan.
Traffic drives on the left. The speed limit varies but is usually
around 40 kph in urban areas and 80 kph on highways; it is 100
kph on highways. Driving can be complicated because, on some
of the highways, signs are written in Japanese characters. High-
ways are expensive, and there are many toll roads, especially in
scenic areas.

5.3 The gas station

How many kilometers Tsugi-no gasorin-sutando-maday
to the next gas station, nankiro gurigh des-ka
please?

I would like...liters of..., ... o ...rittoru onegigh-shimas
please high-oku

– super

– leaded yoo-en

65

The parts of a car

(the diagram shows the numbered parts)

1 batteryGetting Around batteree
2 rear light bakku-right
3 rear-view mirror bakku-mirah
bakku-upp-right
backup light antena
4 antenna rajio
nenryoh-tanku/gasorin-tanku
car radio spahk puragu
5 gas tank nenryoh firutah/pomp
6 spark plugs sighdo-mirah
banpah
fuel filter/pump kyaburetah
7 side mirror krank-kays
8 bumper shirindah
igunishon
carburettor kay-koku-toh
crankcase hats-den-ki
akuseru
5 cylinder hando-burayki
ben/barubu
ignition mufurah/shoh-on-ki
warning light toranku
generator heddo-right
accelerator kurank-shafuto
handbrake e-a firutah
valve fog-rampu
9 silencer enjin
10 trunk kamu-shafuto
11 headlight oyru-firutah/pomp
crank shaft oyru-gayji
12 air filter pedaru
fog lamp do-a
13 engine block raji-aytah
camshaft burayk-disk
oil filter/pump supe-a tigh-a
dipstick hohkoh-shijiki
pedal wigh-pah
14 door shokk-absohbah
15 radiator sanroof
16 brake disc spoy-rah
spare wheel stahtah-mohtah
17 indicator stearing-koram
18 windshield wiper high-ki-kan
19 shock absorbers sheet-beruto
sunroof fan
spoiler
starter motor
20 steering column
21 exhaust pipe
22 seat belt
fan

66

Getting Around

5

23 distributor distribyutah kayburu
cables shift-rebah
fronto-garas
24 gear shift wohtah-pomp
25 windshield tigh-yah
hab-kyapp
water pump piston
26 wheel
27 hubcap hybrid car

piston electric car

GPS

green car

67

– unleaded mu-en

– diesel dee-zeru

Getting Around – regular gasoline regurah

I would like...yen’s …en bun dakay gasorin
worth of gas, please o-negigh-shimas

Fill her up, please Mantan o-negigh-shimas

Could you check...? ... o tenken shitay kuda-sigh
oyru
5

– the oil level

– the tire pressure tighya-no kooki-ats

Could you change Oyru-o ka-etay kuremas-ka
the oil, please?

Could you clean the (fronto) Garas-o fu-itay kuremas-ka

windows/the windshield,

please?

Could you wash the Sensha o-negigh-shimas
car, please?

5.4 Breakdowns and repairs

I’m having car trouble. Kuruma-nga koshoh shimashta.
Could you give me Tetsu-dattay kudasa-e-masen-ka
a hand?

I’ve run out of gas Gasorin-ga nigh-n des-nga

68

I’ve locked the keys Kagi-o kuruma-no naka-ni wasuretay Getting Around
in the car shima-imashta
伴
The car/motorcycle/ Enjin-nga kakarimasen
moped won’t start
Could you call a garage Shoori-ya-o yonday kuremasen-ka
for me, please?
Could you give me ... maday nosetay kudasa-e-masen-ka
a lift to...?
– a garage? shoori-ya

– into town? machi

5

– a phone booth? denwa boks

Can we take my bicycle? Jitensha-mo mottay ikemas-ka

– scooter Skootah-mo mottay ikemas-ka

Could you tow me Shoori-ya-maday kuruma-o hakonday
to a garage? kudasa-e-masen-ka

There’s probably ... ga warui-n des-nga
something wrong Shoori dekimas-ka
with... (See 5.2 and 5.5)

Can you fix it?

Could you fix my tire? Tigh-ya-o shoori shtay kuda-sigh

Could you change this Kono tigh-ya-o kohkan shtay kuda-sigh
wheel?
... e ikeru maday-no shoori-o
Can you fix it so it’ll o-negigh-deki mas-ka
get me to...?

69

Getting Around Which garage can Dono shoori-ya-de shoori dekimas-ka
help me? Its tori-ni koremas-ka
Koko-de matemas-ka
When will my car/
bicycle be ready?

Can I wait for it here?

How much will it cost? Ikura kakarimas-ka

Could you itemize Kanjoh-o maysigh-ni kigh-tay
the bill? kuda-sigh

Can I have a receipt Hoken-no tamay-no ryohshoo-sho-o
kuda-sigh
5 for the insurance?

5.5 Bicycles/mopeds

See the diagram on page 73

The bicycle is used by large numbers of commuters to get to sta-
tions and by housewives shopping in the local shopping districts.
Because the roads are considered dangerous, most cyclists use
footpaths; cycle paths are rare. Bicycles can be hired by the hour
or day at most tourist centers, usually near the main station,
and provide a convenient way to do sightseeing, cycle maps
being provided.

I don’t have parts for your
car/bicycle

I have to get the parts from
somewhere else

I have to order the parts
That’ll take half a day
That’ll take a day

70

That’ll take a few days Getting Around
That’ll take a week
Your car is a write-off
It can’t be repaired
The car/motorcycle/moped/

bicycle will be ready at
...o’clock

5.6 Renting a vehicle

I’d like to rent a... ... o karitigh-n des-nga 5

Here is my driver’s license Kore-ga watashi no unten-menkyo-
sho des.

Do I need a (special) (tokubets no) Unten menkyoshoh-ga
licence for that? irimas-ka

I’d like to rent the... for... ... kari-tigh-n-des-nga

– one day ichi-nichi

– two days futsuka

How much is that Ichi-nichi ikura des-ka
per day? Is-shookan ikura des-ka

– week?

How much is the Hoshoh-kin-wa ikura des-ka
deposit?
Hoshoh-kin-no ryoh-shoo-sho
Could I have a receipt o-negigh-shimas
for the deposit?

71

The parts of a bicycle

(the diagram shows the numbered parts)

1 rear lightGetting Around bakku right
2 rear wheel koh-sharin
3 (luggage) carrier ni-digh
4 bicycle fork fohk
5 bell beru
choob
inner tube tigh-ya
tire kurank
6 crank hen-soku-ki
7 gear change wigh-ya
wire hatsu-denki
generator fraym
frame doro-yokay
chayn
5 8 dress guard chayn kabah
sohkoh kyohri-kay
9 chain kodomo-yoh isu
chain guard heddo ramp
odometer den-kyoo
child’s seat pedaru
kooki-iray
10 headlight hansha-kyoh
bulb burayk-brok
burayk kayburu
11 pedal kee
12 pump nidigh-rohp
13 reflector speedo-mehtah
14 brake shoe spohk
15 brake cable doro-yokay
16 ring lock handoru
17 carrier straps chayn hweeru
toh-kuripp
tachometer kurank-jiku
18 spoke doram-burayk
19 mudguard rimu
20 handlebar choob
21 chain wheel tigh-ya barubu
geeya kayburu
toe clip fohk
22 crank axle zen-sharin
sadoru
drum brake
rim
23 valve
24 valve tube
25 gear cable
26 fork
27 front wheel
28 seat

72

Getting Around

5

electric bicycle

73

How much is the Kirometoru-ni-tsuki tsuika-ryohkin-wa

surcharge per kilometer? ikura des-ka

Does that include gas? Gasorin-digh-wa high-tay imas-ka

Getting Around Does that include Hoken-wa fuku-maretay imas-ka
insurance?

What time can I pick Ashta nanji-ni tori-ni koremas-ka
the...up tomorrow?

When does the...have Nanji maday-ni modoseba ee des-ka
to be back?

5 Where’s the gas tank? Tank-wa doko des-ka

What sort of fuel Gasorin-wa nan-des-ka
does it take?

5.7 Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is rare in Japan, but foreign tourists sometimes do it.
Where are you heading? Doko-e ikimas-ka

Can I come along? Nosetay kudasa-e-mas-ka

Can my friend come too? Tomodachi-mo nosetay kudasa-e-
mas-ka

I’m trying to get to... ... ni iki-tigh-n des-nga

Is that on the way to...? ... to onaji hoh-gaku des-ka

Could you drop me off...? ... de oroshtay kuda-sigh

74

– here? koko

– at the...exit? ... no deguchi

– in the center? chooshin Getting Around

– at the next intersection? tsugi-no kohsaten

Could you stop here, Koko-de tometay kuda-sigh
please? Koko-de oroshtay kuda-sigh

I'd like to get out here

Thanks for the lift Arigatoh goza-imashta 5

75

6 Arrival and 77
Departure 78
6.1 General 80
6.2 Customs 81
6.3 Luggage 82
6.4 Questions to passengers 84
6.5 Tickets 86
6.6 Information 87
6.7 Airports 87
6.8 Trains
6.9 Taxis

6. Arrival and Departure

6.1 General

Where does this train Kono densha-wa doko-e ikimas-ka
go to? Kono funay-wa ... e ikimas-ka

Does this boat go to...?

Can I take this bus to...? Kono bas-wa ... e ikimas-ka

Does this train stop at...? Kono densha-wa ... ni tomarimas-ka

Are these the priority Kono seki-wa you-sen seki des-ka
seats? Kono seki-wa ightay imas-ka

Is this seat free?

– reserved? Kore-wa shtay-seki des-ka

I’ve reserved... Yoyaku shimashta

Could you tell me ... e iku-ni-wa, doko-de oriru-ka oshi-
where I have to get etay kuda-sigh
off for... ?

Could you let me know ... ni tsui-tara oshi-etay kuda-sigh
when we get to...? Tsugi-no bas-tay-de oroshtay kuda-sigh
Ima dono-hen des-ka
Could you stop at the
next stop, please?

Where are we now?

Do I have to get off here? Koko-de ori-nakereba-narimasen-ka

Have we already Moh ... o tohri-mashta-ka
passed...?

77

How long have I been Watasi-wa dono gurigh nemuri-
asleep? mashta-ka

How long does...stop ... wa koko-ni dono-kurigh tomattay
here? imas-ka

Arrival and Departure I have Japan Rail Pass JR pas wo motte imas

Can I come back on the Kono kippu-wa ohf-ku des-ka
same ticket?

Can I change on this Kono kippu-de norikae-raremas-ka
ticket?

How long is this ticket Kono kippu-wa itsu maday yookoh

valid for? des-ka

6

6.2 Customs

A passport is necessary for all visitors to Japan. Citizens of
most European countries do not need a visa if they are staying as
tourists up to 90 days. Visitors from the US, Canada, and New
Zealand need a visa for visits of over 90 days. They are easily
obtainable and free. Visitors from Australia need a visa for any
visit. Drugs, firearms, and pornography may not be taken into
Japan. Non-residents can take in duty-free 400 cigarettes, or 100
cigars, or 500g of tobacco; 3 bottles of alcohol (760cc each); 50g
perfume; and other goods up to 200,000 yen in value. Personal
possessions are exempt.

Your passport, please
Your visa, please
Where are you heading?

78

How long are you planning to stay?
Do you have anything to declare?
Open this, please

I’m going on vacation to... Kyooka-de ... e ikimas Arrival and Departure

I’m on a business trip Shutchoh des

I don’t know how long Dono-gurigh tigh-zai suru-ka mada
I'll be staying yet wakarimasen

I’ll be staying here Kono shoo-mats dakay imas
for a weekend Ni, san-nichi imas

– for a few days

6

– for a week I-shookan imas

– for two weeks Ni-shookan imas

I’ve got nothing Nani-mo shinkoku suru mono-wa
to declare arimasen

I’ve got...with me ... o mottay imas

– ...100 cigarettes Tabako-wa hyappon arimas

– ...1 bottle of... ... wa ippon arimas

– some souvenirs Omiyagay-nga sukoshi arimas

These are personal Koray-wa jibun-de tsukau mono des
possessions Koray-wa ata-rashiku arimasen

These are not new

79

Arrival and Departure Here’s the receipt Ryohshoo-sho des
Yunyoo-zay-wa ikura des-ka
How much import tax Ittay-mo ee des-ka
do I have to pay?
Can I go now?

6.3 Luggage

Porter! Pohtah-san

Could you take this Kono nimots-o ... ni mottay ittay
luggage to...? kuda-sigh

6 How much do I owe you? Ikura des-ka

Where can I find a Dighsha-wa doko-ni arimas-ka
luggage cart?
Kono nimots-o azukattay
Could you store this mo-rae-mas-ka
luggage for me?

Where are the luggage Rokkah-wa doko des-ka
lockers? Rokkah-ga akimasen
Ichinichi ikko ikura des-ka
I can’t get the locker Watashi-no kaban de wa arimasen
open Kaban-ga hitots tarimasen
Kaban-ga kowarete-imasu
How much is it per
item per day?

This is not my bag/
suitcase

There’s one bag/
suitcase missing still

My suitcase is damaged

80

6.4 Questions to passengers

Ticket types

e-ticket Arrival and Departure
Is this ticket...?
first class 6
second class
one-way
round-trip
smoking
no-smoking
window
aisle
front
back
seat
berth
top, middle or bottom
Tourist class or business class?

Cabin or seat?
Single or double?
How many are travelling?

Destination

Where are you travelling to?
When are you leaving?
Your... leaves at...
You have to change trains
You have to get off at...
You have to travel via...

The outward journey is on...

81

The return journey is on...
You have to be on board by....

Arrival and Departure Inside the vehicle

Your ticket, please
Your reservation, please
Your passport, please
You’re in the wrong seat
You’re on/in the wrong...
This seat is reserved
You’ll have to pay an extra fare

6

The...has been delayed by...
minutes

6.5 Tickets

Where can I buy Kippu-wa doko-de ka-emas-ka
a ticket? Doko-de yoyaku dekimas-ka

– make a reservation?

– reserve a flight? Shikohki-no kippu-wa doko-de
ka-emas-ka

Could I have a one-way, Katamichi onegigh-shimas
please? Ohfuku onegigh-shimas

– a round-trip?

first class ittoh-sha

82

second class nitoh-sha

tourist class ekonomi-kurasu

business class bijines-kuras Arrival and Departure

I’d like to reserve a seat Zaseki-o yoyaku shitigh-n des

– berth Shin-digh-sha-o yoyaku shitigh-n-des

– aisle seats tsu-ro gawa no seki

top/middle/bottom weh/naka/shta

I’d like to reserve a cabin Senshits-o yoyaku shitigh-n des 6

smoking/no smoking kitsu-en/kin(g)-en

by the window mado-giwa-de

single/double shtori-yoh/f-tari-yoh

at the front/back ressha-no zempoh-de/ressha-no
of the train koh-hoh-de

– of the plane sh-kohki-no zempoh-de/sh-kohki-no
koh-hoh-de

One car Kuruma-wa ichi-digh des

... bicycles Jitensha-wa ...digh des

Do you also have Tayki-ken-mo arimas-ka
season tickets?

83

6.6 Information

Where’s...? ... wa doko des-ka

Arrival and Departure Where’s the An-nigh-jo-wa doko des-ka
information desk? Jikoku-hyoh-wa doko des-ka
... no uriba-wa doko des-ka
Where can I find a
schedule?

Where’s the...desk?

Do you have a city Bas-ya chika-tets-ga nottay iru
map with the bus/the machi-no chizu-wa arimas-ka
subway routes on it?

6 Do you have a schedule? Jikoku-hyoh arimas-ka

I’d like to confirm my ... maday-no ryokoh/yoyaku-o
reservation for/trip to... tashi-kametay oki-tigh-n des

I’d like to cancel my ... maday-no ryokoh/yoyaku-o

reservation for/trip to... torikeshi-tigh-n des

I’d like to change my ... maday-no ryokoh/yoyaku-o

reservation for/trip to... ka-e-tigh-n des

Will I get my money Ha-righ modoshi-o saykyoo
back? dekimas-ka

I want to go to... How ... e iki-tigh-n des-nga, dono-yoh-ni
do I get there? (What’s ikimas-ka (nani-ga ichiban ha-yigh
the quickest way there?) des-ka)

84

Do I have to pay extra? Tswee-ka ryohkin-o harawa-nakereba-
narimasen-ka

How much is a single ... maday-no katamichi-wa ikura des-ka
to...?

How much is a return ... maday-no ohf-ku-wa ikura des-ka Arrival and Departure
to...?

Can I interrupt my Kono kippu-de tochoo gesha-ga

journey with this ticket? dekimas-ka

How much luggage Nimots-wa nankiro-maday mottay
am I allowed? ikemas-ka

Can I send my luggage Nimots-o takkyoo-bin-de okuremas-ka 6
in advance? Kono ... wa chokkoh des-ka

Does this...travel direct?

Do I have to change? Norikae-nakereba-narimasen-ka,
Where? doko-de

Will there be any Tochoo tomarimas-ka
stopovers?
Tochoo minato-ni kikoh shimas-ka
Does the boat call at
any ports on the way? Kono densha (bas)-wa ... ni
tomarimas-ka
Does the train/bus
stop at...?

Where should I get off? Doko-de ori-nakereba-narimasen-ka

Is there a connection ... maday-no setsu-zoku-wa arimas-ka
to...?
Dono gurigh mata-nakereba-
How long do I have narimasen-ka
to wait?

85

When does...leave? ... wa its shuppats shimas-ka

What time does the Tsugi-no ....wa nanji-ni shuppats
next...leave? shimas-ka

Arrival and Departure What time does the Sigh-shoo-no ... wa nanji-ni shuppats
last...leave? shimas-ka

How long does...take? Dono-gurigh kakarimas-ka

What time does... ... ni nanji-ni tsukimas-ka
arrive in...?
... maday-no densha-wa doko-kara
Where does the...to... shuppats shimas-ka
leave from?

6 Is this the train/bus/ Koray-wa ... maday-no densha/bas/
funay des-ka
boat to...?

6.7 Airports

arrivals Internet lounge airport hotels
departures baggage claim
international airport security security
domestic e-booking/reservations metal detector
scanner checking in pacemaker
boarding pass baggage claim check

86

6.8 Trains Arrival and Departure

• The railway system in Japan is very well developed, and 6

managed by Japan Railways (JR) and a large number of private
railway companies. Intercity trains are local (futsoo), express (kyoo-
koh), limited express (tokkyoo), and super express (shinkansen).

Tickets are charged by distance, with surcharges for the cate-
gory of train, class, and seat reservations. Ticket reservations are
made at counters called “green windows” (midori no madoguchi).
Tickets can be bought from ticket machines and most of these
have an English option. The full fare does not have to be paid
before the destination. Fare adjustment machines and counters
are available. All JR stations show station names written in Jap-
anese with the romanization below. Useful for travelers is the
custom of including the names of the previous and next stations
to the left and right underneath the station name.

6.9 Taxis

• Taxis are expensive, but all are metered and there is no

custom of tipping. Carry the address and phone number of your
destination, and a map of the immediate location if possible, to
give to the driver. Taxi doors are automated; normally the back
curbside door is the only one used. On arrival, wait for the driver
to open the door, and do not close it yourself.

for hire booked taxi stand

Taxi Tak-shee

Could you get me a Tak-shee-o yonday kuda-sigh
taxi, please? Tak-shee noriba-wa doko des-ka

Where can I find a taxi
around here?

87

Could you take me to..., ... maday o-negigh shimas
please? kono joosho

– this address

Arrival and Departure – the...hotel ... hoteru

– the town/city center choo-shin-chi

– the station eki

– the airport koo-koh

How much is the ... maday ikura des-ka
trip to...? ... maday nan-kiro gurigh des-ka
Iso-iday irun des-nga
6 How far is it to...?

I’m in a hurry

Could you speed up/ Motto hayaku/yukkuri ittay kuda-sigh
slow down a little? Hoka-no michi-o tottay kuda-sigh
Koko-de oroshtay kuda-sigh
Could you take a ... massugu ittay kuda-sigh
different route? ... hidari-ni magattay kuda-sigh

I’d like to get out here,
please

You have to go straight
on

You have to turn left

You have to turn right ... migi-ni magattay kuda-sigh

This is it Koko des

Could you wait a minute Chotto mattay-tay kuda-sigh
for me, please?

88

7A Place to Stay
7.1 General 90

7.2 Hotels/B&Bs/apartments/ 91
holiday rentals

7.3 Complaints 94

7.4 Departure 95

7.5 Camping 96
Camping equipment 98-99

7. A Place to Stay

7.1 General

• Japan has a great variety of overnight accommodation.

There is a wide range of hotels, from five-star international
hotels to business hotels and small local establishments. The
cheaper the hotel, the smaller the room and the fewer the facili-
ties. Whatever the grade of hotel, cleanliness should be of high
order. Other accommodation, especially in country areas, includes
the very expensive luxury ryokan (traditional inns) and small,
cheaper inns. Inns are a good way to experience the Japanese life-
style. Rooms are covered with straw mats (tatami) and the guest
sleeps on a mattress (futon) spread on the floor. In some inns
meals (Japanese style) are also served in the room. Bathing is
generally communal (men’s and women’s facilities are separated)
in a large room containing a sunken bath (very hot) for relaxa-
tion and individual taps and stools to wash prior to entering the
bath. In rural areas these baths may be onsen (hot springs).

Many small inns now operate as minshuku, inexpensive accom-
modation offering two meals. These can be booked through the
travel counters at stations and airports, or through the Internet.
They are a good option especially when travelling in the country.
In the last few years a western version called pension has also
become popular. Camping is not popular, and campsites are few
and poor in the way of facilities. Youth hostels, of which there is
an extensive network, provide a cheap alternative.

How long will you be staying?
Fill in this form, please
Could I see your passport?
I’ll need a deposit
You’ll have to pay in advance

90

My name’s...I’ve Watashi-wa ... des. heya-no yoyaku-o
made a reservation... shtay arimas

– over the phone denwa-de

– by mail tegami-de A Place to Stay

– by email may-ru de

How much is it per Ippaku/isshookan/ikkagets-wa ikura
night/week/ month? des-ka

We’ll be staying at least Semetay nihaku/nishookan tomari- 7
two nights/two weeks tigh-n-des-nga

We don’t know yet Mada wakarimasen-nga

What time does the Nanji-ni akimas-ka
gate/door open? Nanji-ni shimarimas-ka

– close?

Could you get me a Takshee-o yonday kuremasen-ka
taxi, please?
Watashi-atay-no messe-ji/dengon-ga
Is there any message left arimas-ka
for me?

7.2 Hotels/B&Bs/apartments/holiday rentals

Do you have a single Shtori-beya arimas-ka
available? Ftari-beya arimas-ka

– double room...

91

per person/per room shtori-ni-tski/ hito-heya-ni-tski

Does that include Choh-shoku/choo-shoku/yoo-shoku

breakfast/lunch/dinner? tski-mas-ka

A Place to Stay Could we have two Tonari-awase-no heya arimas-ka
adjoining rooms? toyray/bas/shawah-tski-no heya

with toilet/bath/shower

without toilet/bath/ toyray/bas/shawah-nashi-no heya
shower michi-ni men-shtay iru heya
michi-ni men-shtay i-nigh heya
facing the street

7

not facing the street

with a view of the sea umi-gawa-no heya

without a view of umi-ni men-shtay i-nigh heya
the sea Erebehtah arimas-ka
Room-sahbis arimas-ka
Is there an elevator in sudomari
the hotel? Heya-o misetay moraemas-ka

Do you have room
service?

self-catering
accommodation

Could I see the room?

I’ll take this room Kono-heya-ni kime-mashta

Please show us Hoka-no heya-o misetay kuda-sigh
another room Motto ohkee heya-wa arimasen-ka
Motto yasui heya-wa arimasen-ka
Do you have a larger
room?

Do you have a less
expensive room?

92

Could you put in a cot? Kodomo-yoh-no beddo-o tsweeka-
dekimas-ka

What time’s breakfast? Choh-shoku-wa nanji des-ka

You can find the toilet and shower A Place to Stay
on the same floor/in the room
7
The toilet and shower are in
your room

This way, please
Your room is on the...floor
Your room is number...

Where’s the dining Shokudoh-wa doko des-ka
room?
Choh-shoku-o heya-de tabe-rare-
Can I have breakfast mas-ka
in my room?

Where’s the emergency Hijoh-guchi-wa doko des-ka
exit? Hijoh kigh-dan-wa doko des-ka

– fire escape?

Where can I park Doko-ni choo-sha dekimas-ka
my car?

The key to room..., please ...ban-no heya-no kagi o-negigh-shimas
伴

Could you put this Koray-o kinko-ni iretay kuda-sigh-
in the safe, please? mas-ka

Could you wake me Ashta ...ji-ni okoshtay kuda-sigh
at...tomorrow? Bebee-shitta-ga hoshee-n des-nga

Could you find a
babysitter for me?

93

Could I have an extra Sumimasen-nga, mohfu moh ichi-
blanket? migh o-negigh-shimas

A Place to Stay What days do the Osohji-wa nanyohbi des-ka
cleaners come in? Its sheets/taoru-o tori-ka-emas-ka

When are the sheets/
towels changed?

7.3 Complaints

We can’t sleep for Uru-sakutay nemure-nigh-n-des

7 the noise

Could you turn the Rajio-no onryo-o sagetay kuda-sigh
radio down, please?

We’re out of toilet paper Toyretto-pehpah-ga naigh-n-des-nga

There aren’t any.../ ... ga tari-nigh-n-des
there’s not enough... Sheets-ga kita-nigh-no-des-nga

The bed linen’s dirty

The room hasn’t Heya-ga sohji shtay arimasen
been cleaned Damboh-ga kii-te imasen
E-a-kon-ga kii-te imasen
The heater’s not Mizu-ga demasen
working

The air conditioning’s
not working

There’s no water

– hot water Oyu-ga demasen

– electricity Denki-ga arimasen

...is broken ... ga kowaretay imas

94

Could you have that Sono-yoh-ni yoroshku o-negigh-shimas A Place to Stay
seen to? Hoka-no heya-ni ka-etay kuda-sigh
Beddo-ga sugoi oto-o tateru-n-des-nga
Could I have another
room/site?

The bed creaks terribly

The bed sags Beddo-ga yawaraka-sugimas

There are bugs/insects Heya-ni mushi-ga iru-n-des-nga
in our room
Koko-ni-wa ... ga takusan itay,
This place is full of... komarimas

7

– mosquitos ka

– cockroaches go-kiburi

7.4 Departure

See also 8.2 Settling the bill

I’m leaving tomorrow. Ashta tachi-mas-kara saysan shtay
Could I pay my bill, kuda-sigh
please?
Nanji maday-ni heya-o ake-nakereba-
What time should narimasen-ka
we check out?

Could I have my Hoshoh-kin/paspohto-o kigh shtay
deposit/passport back, kuda-sigh
please?
Kono joosho-ni tegami-o tensoh
Could you forward my shtay kuda-sigh-mas-ka
mail to this address?

95

We’re in a terrible hurry Tigh-hen isoi-de imas

Could we leave our Shuppats-maday nimots-o koko-ni
luggage here until oitay itay-mo ee des-ka
we leave?

A Place to Stay Thanks for your Omotenashi arigatoh go-zigh-mashta
hospitality

7.5 Camping

See the diagram on page 99

7

You can pick your own site
You’ll be allocated a site
This is your site number
Stick this on your car, please

Where’s the manager? Kanri-nin-wa doko des-ka

Are we allowed to Koko-de kyamp dekimas-ka
camp here?
Jibun-de basho-o kimetay-mo ee
Can we pick our own des-ka
site?

Do you have a quiet Shizuka-na basho-ga arimas-ka
spot for us?

Do you have any other Hoka-ni basho-ga arimasen-ka
sites available?

It’s too windy/sunny/here Koko-wa kazay/hizashi-ga
tsuyo-sugi-mas

It’s too crowded here Koko-wa komi-sugi-tay mas

96

The ground’s too Jimen-wa kata-sugimas/deko-boko des
hard/uneven
Kyamping-kah-no tamay-ni tighra-na
Do you have a level basho-ga arimas-ka
spot for the camper/
trailer/folding trailer?

Could we have Issho-ni tate-rareru basho-ga A Place to Stay
adjoining sites? arimas-ka

Can we park the car Tento-no tonari-ni choosha shtay-mo
next to the tent? ee des-ka

How much is it per Shtori/tento ikko/kyamping-kah ichi- 7

person/tent/trailer/car? digh/kuruma ichi-digh-wa ikura des-ka

Do you have any huts Kashi-goya-mo arimas-ka
to rent?
Are there any...? ... arimas-ka

– hot showers? oyu-no shawah

– washing machines? sentakki

Is there a children’s Kyamp-jo-ni-wa kodomoyoh-no
play area on the site? asobiba-ga arimas-ka

Can I rent a locker here? Rokkah-ga kari-raremas-ka

Are there any power Denki-o tsuka-emas-ka
outlets? Nomi-mizu wa arimas-ka

Is there drinking water?

When’s the garbage Gomi-wa its atsume-mas-ka
collected?

97

Camping equipment

(the diagram shows the numbered parts)

A Place to Stay luggage space nimots-okiba
can opener kan-kiri
butane gas bottle butan-gas-bombay
1 tool bag jitensha-yoh baggu
2 gas cooker gas-konro
3 groundsheet gurando sheeto
hammer kana-zuchi
hammock hammok
4 gas can nenryoh-tank
campfire kyamp figh-ya
5 folding chair oritatami-shki kyamp-yoh
isu
6 insulated picnic box kooru bokks
ighs-pakku
7 ice pack kompas
shin
compass kork-sen-nuki
wick e-a mattres
corkscrew prag
7 airbed kooki iray
8 airbed plug hi-yokay
pump mattres
9 awning nabay
10 mat nabay ts-kami
11 pan konro
12 pan handle fasnah/jippah
primus stove ryuk-sakk
zip hari-zuna
13 backpack ne-bukuro
14 guy rope rantan/toh-yoo ramp
sleeping bag kyamp-yoh beddo
15 storm lantern oritatami-shki (kyamp-yoh)
camp bed tayburu
table tento
pegg
16 tent tento-pohru
17 tent peg mahohbin
18 tent pole sweetoh
sentaku-basami
thermos monohoshi rohp
19 water bottle kaze-yoke
kigh-choo den-toh/pokett-
clothes hook righ-to
clothes line kogatana
windbreak
20 flashlight
pocket knife

98

A Place to Stay 7

99