Speakin’ Japanese: Be prepared

“Jishin kana?” = Is that an earthquake?
(“jishin” = earthquake, “.. kana?” = is it..?)

“Jishin no ookisa wa?” = How strong was that earthquake?
(“ookisa” = strength)

“Shingenchi wa doko desuka?” = Where was the earthquake centered?
(“shingenchi” = quake center, “.. wa doko” = where is)

“Mado kara hanarete” = Keep away from the windows.
(“mado” = window, “.. kara hanarete” = keep away from)

“Tsunai no shimpai wa arimasen” = There’s no tsunami danger.
(“shimpai” = concern, “.. wa arimasen” = there is no ..)

“Doko e nigetara iidsuka?” = Where should I evacuate to?
(“nigetara ii” = should escape/evacuate)

“Jishin Kitto wo sonaete masuka?” = Do you have an “Earthquake Kit”?
(“jishin kitto” = Earthquake Kit, “.. wo sonaete” = have .. /.. is furnished)

“Batteree/Denchi” = Batteries
“Kaichyudento” = Flashlight
“Mofu” = Emergency blanket
“Hotai” = Bandages
“Denwa” = Telephone
“Mizu/shokuryo” = Water/food
“Rajio” = Radio
“Kyukkyusha” = Ambulance
“Kyugo” = Help

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.