(Illustration by Stripes Japan)
As you travel this winter season, here are some useful Japanese phrases to help you along the way.
“Desu, ne?” = it is, isn’t it?
Samui desu, ne? = It is cold, isn’t it?
Atatakai desu, ne? = It is warm, isn’t it?
Atsui desu, ne? = It is hot, isn’t it?
These expressions are often used
Ohayo Gozaimasu. = Good morning.
Konnichiwa. = Good afternoon.
Konbanwa. = Good evening.
“… sou desu” = looks like going to be …
• Yuki ga furisou desu. = It looks like it is going to snow.
These phrases are also used in daily conversations
Ame ga furisou desu. = It looks like it is going to rain.
Hare sou desu. = It looks like going to be fine.
Yoi otenki desu. = It is a beautiful day.
“made donokurai kakarimasuka?” = How long does it take to ...
Eki made donokurai kakarimasuka? = How long does it take to the station?
Kyanpu Foster made donokurai kakarimasuka? = How long does it take to Foster military base?)
Kuuko made donokurai kakarimasuka? = How long does it take to an airport?)
“… wa doko desuka?” = Where is ...
Tokyo eki wa doko desuka? = Where is Tokyo Station?
Byouin wa doko desuka? = Where is a hospital?
Koban wa doko desuka? = Where is a police station?
Toire wa doko desuka? = Where is a bathroom?
These phrases are also used
Mayoimashita. = I am lost.
Michi ga wakarimasen. = I don’t know the way.
Basho ga wakarimasen. = I don’t know where it is.
“… ga itai desu” = I have an ache/pain in …
When you have to see a doctor, you can use some of the following phrases
Atama ga itai desu. = I have a headache.
Nodo ga itai desu. = My throat hurts.
Onaka ga itai desu. = I have a stomachache.
Netsu ga arimasu. = I have a fever.
Seki ga demasu. = I have a cough.
Kaze wo hikimashita. = I caught a cold.
