JAPAN

(Stripes Japan)

As you travel this winter season, here are some useful Japanese phrases to help you along the way.

“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 with “Ohayo Gozaimasu” (good morning), “Konnichiwa” (good afternoon) or “Konbanwa” (good evening). “Desu, ne?” = it is, isn’t it?

“Yuki ga furisou desu.” = It looks like it is going to snow. “… sou desu” = looks like going to be … 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. “Atama ga itai desu.” = I have a headache. “… ga itai desu” = “I have an ache/pain in …”

When you have to see a doctor, you can use some of the following phrases: “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.

Tokyo eki wa doko desuka? (Where is Tokyo Station?) “… wa doko desuka?” = Where is ... • Byouin wa dokodesuka? (Where is a hospital?) • Koban wa dokodesuka? (Where is a police station?) • Toire wa dokodsuka? (Where is a bathroom?) Eki made donokurai kakarimasuka? (How long does it take to the station?) “made donokurai kakarimasuka?” = How long does it take to ... • 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?)

Mayoimashita. (I am lost.) • Michi ga wakarimasen. (I don’t know the way.) • Basho ga wakarimasen. (I don’t know where it is.)

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