Language/Japanese/Vocabulary/Basic-Directions-and-Transportation

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Japanese → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Greetings and Introductions → Basic Directions and Transportation

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Basic Directions and Transportation! In this lesson, we will learn how to ask for and give directions, use basic transportation means, and navigate around a city in Japanese. This topic is important because being able to communicate and understand directions is essential when traveling or living in Japan. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask for directions, understand the responses, and use different modes of transportation to get around. Let's get started!

Asking for Directions

When you find yourself in an unfamiliar place and need to ask for directions in Japanese, it's important to know some key phrases and vocabulary. Here are some useful phrases to help you ask for directions:

• Sumimasen, chizu wa dokodesu ka?

 - Translation: Excuse me, where is the map?

• Tetsudaimasu ka?

 - Translation: Can you help me?

• Eki wa doko desu ka?

 - Translation: Where is the train station?

• Konbini wa chikai desu ka?

 - Translation: Is there a convenience store nearby?

• Machi no chushajo wa doko desu ka?

 - Translation: Where is the town parking lot?

• Michi o oshiete kudasai.

 - Translation: Please show me the way.

Now, let's practice using these phrases in different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Asking for the Nearest Train Station

You are in a new city and need to find the nearest train station. Approach a local and ask for directions using the phrase "Eki wa doko desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, where is the train station?)

Local: Eki wa koko kara massugu itte, migi ni magatte, sugu soko desu. (Local: Go straight from here, turn right, and it's right there.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 2: Asking for a Convenience Store

You are in a residential area and need to find a convenience store. Approach a local and ask for directions using the phrase "Konbini wa chikai desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, konbini wa chikai desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, is there a convenience store nearby?)

Local: Hai, konbini wa kono tsugi no kousaten no migi ni arimasu. (Local: Yes, there is a convenience store on the right after the next intersection.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 3: Asking for the Town Parking Lot

You are driving in a town and need to find the town parking lot. Approach a local and ask for directions using the phrase "Machi no chushajo wa doko desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, machi no chushajo wa doko desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, where is the town parking lot?)

Local: Machi no chushajo wa koko no mae no shingou no hidari ni arimasu. (Local: The town parking lot is on the left after the traffic light in front of you.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Giving Directions

Now that we have learned how to ask for directions, let's move on to giving directions in Japanese. It's important to use clear and concise language when giving directions to ensure the listener understands. Here are some useful phrases and vocabulary to help you give directions:

• Massugu

 - Translation: Straight

• Hidari

 - Translation: Left

• Migi

 - Translation: Right

• Mae

 - Translation: Ahead

• Ushiro

 - Translation: Behind

• Minami

 - Translation: South

• Kita

 - Translation: North

• Higashi

 - Translation: East

• Nishi

 - Translation: West

Let's practice giving directions using these phrases and vocabulary.

Scenario 1: Giving Directions to the Train Station

A tourist approaches you and asks for directions to the train station. Use the phrases and vocabulary to give clear directions.

Example:

Tourist: Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? (Tourist: Excuse me, where is the train station?)

You: Eki wa koko kara massugu itte, migi ni magatte, sugu soko desu. (You: Go straight from here, turn right, and it's right there.)

Tourist: Arigatou gozaimasu! (Tourist: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 2: Giving Directions to a Convenience Store

A lost local approaches you and asks for directions to a convenience store. Use the phrases and vocabulary to give clear directions.

Example:

Local: Sumimasen, konbini wa chikai desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, is there a convenience store nearby?)

You: Hai, konbini wa kono tsugi no kousaten no migi ni arimasu. (You: Yes, there is a convenience store on the right after the next intersection.)

Local: Arigatou gozaimasu! (Local: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 3: Giving Directions to the Town Parking Lot

A driver stops and asks you for directions to the town parking lot. Use the phrases and vocabulary to give clear directions.

Example:

Driver: Sumimasen, machi no chushajo wa doko desu ka? (Driver: Excuse me, where is the town parking lot?)

You: Machi no chushajo wa koko no mae no shingou no hidari ni arimasu. (You: The town parking lot is on the left after the traffic light in front of you.)

Driver: Arigatou gozaimasu! (Driver: Thank you very much!)

Using Transportation Means

In addition to asking for and giving directions, it's important to know how to use different transportation means in Japan. Let's explore some common transportation vocabulary and phrases:

• Basu

 - Translation: Bus

• Takushii

 - Translation: Taxi

• Densha

 - Translation: Train

• Chikatetsu

 - Translation: Subway

• Jitensha

 - Translation: Bicycle

• Kuruma

 - Translation: Car

• Koutsuu

 - Translation: Traffic

• Teiryuujo

 - Translation: Train station

• Chikatetsu no eki

 - Translation: Subway station

• Basutei

 - Translation: Bus stop

• Takushii no noriba

 - Translation: Taxi stand

Let's practice using these transportation means in different scenarios.

Scenario 1: Taking the Bus

You need to take a bus to get to your destination. Approach a local and ask for the bus stop using the phrase "Basutei wa doko desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, basutei wa doko desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, where is the bus stop?)

Local: Basutei wa kono tsugi no kousaten no migi ni arimasu. (Local: The bus stop is on the right after the next intersection.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 2: Taking the Train

You need to take a train to get to your destination. Approach a local and ask for the train station using the phrase "Eki wa doko desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, eki wa doko desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, where is the train station?)

Local: Eki wa massugu itte, migi ni magatte, sugu soko desu. (Local: Go straight to the station, turn right, and it's right there.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Scenario 3: Taking a Taxi

You need to take a taxi to get to your destination. Approach a local and ask for the taxi stand using the phrase "Takushii no noriba wa doko desu ka?"

Example:

You: Sumimasen, takushii no noriba wa doko desu ka? (Local: Excuse me, where is the taxi stand?)

Local: Takushii no noriba wa kono tsugi no kousaten no hidari ni arimasu. (Local: The taxi stand is on the left after the next intersection.)

You: Arigatou gozaimasu! (You: Thank you very much!)

Cultural Insight: Transportation Etiquette

In Japan, there are some cultural norms and etiquette when using public transportation. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Queuing: When waiting for a bus or train, it's important to form a queue and wait for your turn. Pushing or cutting in line is considered rude.
• Priority Seats: Some seats on buses and trains are designated as priority seats for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. If you are sitting in a priority seat, be prepared to give up your seat to someone who needs it more.
• Quietness: Talking loudly on public transportation, especially in trains and subways, is generally discouraged. It's considered polite to keep conversations quiet or use headphones for audio devices.
• Smoking: Smoking is generally not allowed on buses, trains, and train stations. There are designated smoking areas outside stations or in specific locations.
• Timeliness: Public transportation in Japan is known for its punctuality. Trains and buses usually arrive and depart on time, so it's important to be punctual and plan your journeys accordingly.

Remember to respect the local customs and etiquette when using transportation in Japan.

Exercise: Directions and Transportation Scenarios

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice with some exercises. Read the scenarios and answer the questions based on the information provided.

Scenario 1:

You are in Tokyo and need to get to the Tokyo Tower. You ask a local for directions using the phrase "Toukyou Tawaa wa doko desu ka?"

Local: Toukyou Tawaa wa kono basutei no mae no kousaten no migi ni arimasu.

Question: Where is the Tokyo Tower? - A) On the left after the next intersection. - B) On the right after the next intersection. - C) Straight ahead after the next intersection.

Answer: B) On the right after the next intersection.

Scenario 2:

You are in Kyoto and want to take a taxi to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You ask a local for the taxi stand using the phrase "Kiyomizu-dera no takushii no noriba wa doko desu ka?"

Local: Kiyomizu-dera no takushii no noriba wa kono basutei no hidari ni arimasu.

Question: Where is the taxi stand for Kiyomizu-dera Temple? - A) On the left after the next bus stop. - B) On the right after the next bus stop. - C) Straight ahead after the next bus stop.

Answer: A) On the left after the next bus stop.

Scenario 3:

You are in Osaka and need to take the subway to Namba Station. You ask a local for the subway station using the phrase "Namba Eki wa doko desu ka?"

Local: Namba Eki wa kono basutei no ushiro no kousaten no hidari ni arimasu.

Question: Where is Namba Station? - A) On the left after the next intersection. - B) On the right after the next intersection. - C) Straight ahead after the next intersection.

Answer: A) On the left after the next intersection.

Summary

In this lesson, we have learned how to ask for and give directions, use basic transportation means, and navigate around a city in Japanese. We practiced asking for directions in different scenarios, giving clear directions using phrases and vocabulary, and using different transportation means such as buses, trains, and taxis. We also explored some cultural insights and etiquette related to transportation in Japan. By mastering these skills, you will be able to confidently navigate and travel around Japan. Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary to enhance your communication skills. Ganbatte kudasai! (Good luck!)

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Hiragana Basics

• Hiragana Reading and Writing Practice
• Introduction to Japanese Sentence Structure
• Particle は and が
• Verb Conjugation
• Noun and Adjective Modification
• Question Words and Phrases

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing Yourself and Others
• Describing People
• Counting Numbers and Time
• Basic Food and Drink Terminology
• Daily Activities and Hobbies
• Basic Directions and Transportation

  ---

Geography and History

• Introduction to Japanese Geography
• Brief History of Japan
• Traditional Arts and Customs
• Popular Culture and Entertainment

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Conjugation
• Adjective Types and Usage
• Adverb Types and Usage
• Comparison and Superlative
• Adjective and Adverbial Modification

  ---

Family and Social Relations

• Family Members and Titles
• Social Etiquette and Expressions
• Basic Workplace and Business Terminology
• Shopping and Consumer Culture

  ---

Religion and Philosophy

• Shinto and Buddhism
• Zen and Samurai Culture
• Contemporary Spiritual Movements

  ---

Particles and Conjunctions

• Particles に and で
• Particles へ and を
• Particles も and しか
• Conjunctions and Compound Sentences
• Conditional and Hypothetical Sentences

  ---

Travel and Tourism

• Basic Travel and Tourism Vocabulary
• Famous Tourist Attractions and Landmarks
• Japanese Hospitality and Service Culture

  ---

Education and Science

• Educational System and Vocabulary
• Traditional and Modern Science and Technology
• Natural Disasters and Risk Prevention

  ---

Prepositions and Interjections

• Prepositions and Postpositions
• Emphasis and Intensification
• Exclamation and Impression Expressions

  ---

Arts and Media

• Film and Theater Terminology
• Music and Dance Terminology
• Art and Literature Terminology

  ---

Politics and Society

• Basic Political Vocabulary
• Social Issues and Controversies
• Japanese Business and Work Culture

Sources

• How to ask for directions in Japanese: basic words and phrases
• Basic Guide to Directions in Japanese | Tokyo Cheapo
• Transportation vocabulary in Japanese
• Appendix:1000 Japanese basic words - Wiktionary

Other Lessons

• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Places
• Count to 10
• Animal
• How to say Good Bye?
• Family
• Idiomatic Expressions
• The Shapes
• Longest word
• Daily Activities and Hobbies

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