Community News
Speakin’ Japanese: Be prepared
Military Health System Communications Office February 25, 2021
“Jishin kana?” = Is that an earthquake? (“jishin” = earthquake, “.. kana?” = is it..?)
“Jishin no ookisa wa?” = How strong was that earthquake? (“ookisa” = strength)
“Shingenchi wa doko desuka?” = Where was the earthquake centered? (“shingenchi” = quake center, “.. wa doko” = where is)
“Mado kara hanarete” = Keep away from the windows. (“mado” = window, “.. kara hanarete” = keep away from)
“Tsunai no shimpai wa arimasen” = There’s no tsunami danger. (“shimpai” = concern, “.. wa arimasen” = there is no ..)
“Doko e nigetara iidsuka?” = Where should I evacuate to? (“nigetara ii” = should escape/evacuate)
“Jishin Kitto wo sonaete masuka?” = Do you have an “Earthquake Kit”? (“jishin kitto” = Earthquake Kit, “.. wo sonaete” = have .. /.. is furnished)
“Batteree/Denchi” = Batteries “Kaichyudento” = Flashlight “Mofu” = Emergency blanket “Hotai” = Bandages “Denwa” = Telephone “Mizu/shokuryo” = Water/food “Rajio” = Radio “Kyukkyusha” = Ambulance “Kyugo” = Help
Pronunciation key: “A” is short (like “ah”); “E” is short (like “get”); “I” is short (like “it”); “O” is long (like “old”); “U” is long (like “tube”); and “AI” is a long “I” (like “hike”). Most words are pronounced with equal emphasis on each syllable, but “OU” is a long “O” with emphasis on that syllable.