Speakin’ Japanese dialogue illustration of a man and a woman

(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.

AloJapan.com