JAPAN

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Well, there is a typhoon in our midst, so here ya go. While taking every precaution to be safe and prepared, try using the following words and phrases.

“Taifuu wa koko ni kimasu ka?” = Will the typhoon come here? (“taifuu” = typhoon; “koko” = here; “kimasu” = will come)

“Itsu kimasuka?” = When will it come? (“itsu” = when)

“Kaze ga tsuyoku natte kimashita ne?” = The wind is getting stronger, isn’t it? (“kaze” = wind; “tsuyoku” = strong)

“Doshaburi desu.” = It is raining cats and dogs. (“doshaburi” = raining cats and dogs)

“Densha wa mada ugoite imasu ka?” = Are the trains still running? (“densha” = train; “mada” = still; “ugoite” = moving)

“Densha ga tomari mashita.” = The trains have stopped. (“tomari” = stop)

“Dooro wa mada toore masu ka?” = Can I still travel on the roads? (“dooro” = road; “toore” = travel on)

“Zubunure desu.” = I am dripping wet. (“zubunure” = dripping wet)

“Okunai ni ita hoo ga ii desu.” = It might be better to stay indoors. (“okunai” = indoors; “ita” = stay; “hoo ga ii” = it might be better to

“Hayaku kaetta hoo ga iidesu.” = You better hurry home. (“hayaku” = hury; “kaetta” = go home)

“Kasa ga koware mashita.” = My umbrella broke. (“kasa” = umbrella; “koware” = broke)

“Kiwo tsukete kudasai.” = Be careful, please.

“Terebi de taifuu jooho wo mimashoo.” = Let’s look at the typhoon information on TV. (“terebi” = TV; “jooho” = information; “mimashoo” = let’s look at)

WHEN ON OKINAWA –

You can also say it in “Uchinaaguchi” (island dialect) like this:

“Taifuu ya kumankai chuugayaa?” = Will the typhoon come here?

“Gaji chuuku natoon-yaa.” = The wind is getting stronger.

“Ufuami yan-yaa.” = It is raining cats and dogs.

takiguchi.takahiro@stripes.com

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