Speakin’ Japanese: Car talk

(Graphic illustration by Yukiyo Oda)

A personal vehicle is a great way to get around base and help you explore. Here are some helpful phrases to help you down the road!

“Kono kuruma wa ikura desuka?” = How much is this car?

(“kono” = this, “kuruma” = car, “ikura desuka” = how much is..?)

“Kono kuruma wa nannen-sei desuka?” = What year was this car made? / How old is this car?

(“nannen-sei” = ..year made)

“Shuurireki wa arimasuka?” = Does the car have any repair history?

(“shuurireki” = repair history, “arimasuka” = is there..?)

“Hoken wa doko de kakeraremasuka? ”

= Where can I insure the car?

(“hoken” = insurance, “doko” = where, “kakeraremasuka” = insure/take)

“Donna hoshoo to shiharai hoohoo ga arimasuka?” = What kind of warranties and payment plans do you have?

(“donna” = what kind of, “hoshoo” = warranty, “to” = and, “shiharai hoohoo” = payment plans)

“Koko ni kuruma wo tomete mo iidesuka?” = Can I park here?

(“koko” = here, “kuruma” = car, “tomete” = park, “iidesuka?” = Can I?)

“Koko wa chuusha kinshi desu.” = No parking here. (“chuusha kinshi” = no parking)

“Doko ni kuruma wo tometara iidesuka.” = Where can I park my car?

(“doko” = where)

“Chuushajo wa doko ni arimasu ka?” = Where is the parking lot?

(“chuushajo” = parking lot, “doko” = where, “arimasu ka?”

= is there?)

“Ima sugu idoo shimasu.” = I will move my car soon.

(“ima” = now, “sugu” = soon, “idoo shimasu” = will move)

When on OKINAWA, you can also say it in “Uchinaanguchi” (island dialect) like this:

“Chuushajo ya Maankai Aibiiga?” = Where can I find a parking lot?

“Kunu fin nakai chuushajo ya aibiimi?” = Is there a parking lot around here?

“Chuushajo made chanuati aibiiga?” = Haw far is it from here to a parking lot?

“Guburii Yaibii shiga.” = Excuse me.

“Chuusharyo ya chassa natouibiiga.” = How much is the parking fee?

OKINAWA