OKINAWA

()

While Japan is known for its impeccable public transportation, a personal vehicle will help you get around base and even help you explore attractions near and far.

When you arrive, buying a vehicle may very well be one of the first things you do after checking into your new base. The following words and phrases will help you negotiating a Japanese car dealer outside of the gate.

“Kono kuruma wa ikura desuka?” = How much is this car? (“kono” = this, “kuruma” = car, “ikura desuka” = how much is..?) (Pronounced: cone-oh koo-roo-mah wuh eekoorah desookuh)

“Doru wa tsukae masuka?” = Can I use dollars? (Do you take dollars?) (“doru” = dollar, “wa tsukae masuka” = can I use..?) (Pronounced: dough-roo wuh zookah-ey mass-oo-kah)

“Yasuku narimasenka?” = Can you give me a discount? (“yasuku” = cheeper, “narimasenka” = can you make…?) (Pronounced: ya-zoo-koo nah-ree-mass-en-kah)

“Kono kuruma wa nannen-sei desuka?” = What year was this car made? (How old is this car?) (“nannen-sei” = ..year made) (Pronounced: cone-oh wuh nahn-nehn-say desookuh)

“Shuurireki wa arimasuka?” = Does the car have any repair history? (“shuurireki” = repair history, “arimasuka” = is there..?) (Pronounced: shoo-ree-reh-kee wuh are-ee-mass-kah)

“Hoken wa doko de kakeraremasuka?” = Where can I insure the car? (“hoken” = insurance, “doko” = where, “kakeraremasuka” = insure/take) (Pronounced: Ho-ken wuh dough-koh deh kah-keh-are-eh-mass-kah)

“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) (Pronounced: dough-nah ho-show toe she-hair-eye ho-ho-o gah are-ee-mass-kah)

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.

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now