Japanese guide

10 essential Japanese phrases for asking for directions

Navigate the streets of Japan with confidence! Master these 10 phrases to get where you need to go.

Japanese vocabulary lesson illustration
Words
10
Audio
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Practice
Flashcards + quiz

Getting lost in a new city is never fun. But in Japan, people are generally happy to help if you approach them politely and ask for directions. Whether you're trying to find a famous landmark, a specific shop, or just the nearest train station, knowing a few key phrases will make your journey much smoother.

What this lesson covers

Core Japanese words for everyday conversation.

English meanings, pronunciation hints, and tap-to-hear audio.

A quick flashcard flow and quiz to make the words stick.

Start with these key words

Learn the first set, listen out loud, then move into the full list below.

Flashcards

Card 1 / 10

Practice quiz

Question 1 / 8Score: 0
Translate
左に曲がってください。

Full vocabulary list

Words 1–10
  • すみません、駅はどこですか?
    soo-mee-mah-sen, eh-kee wah doh-koh des-kah
    Excuse me, where is the station?
  • この地図で教えていただけますか?
    koh-no chee-zoo deh oh-shee-eh-teh ee-tah-dah-keh-mas kah
    Could you show me on this map?
  • 〇〇へ行きたいのですが。
    maru-maru eh ee-kee-tai no des wah
    I want to go to 〇〇.
  • 一番近い〇〇はどこですか?
    ee-chee-bahn chee-kai maru-maru wah doh-koh des-kah
    Where is the nearest 〇〇?
  • ここから遠いですか?
    koh-koh kah-rah toh-ee des-kah
    Is it far from here?
  • まっすぐ行ってください。
    mas-soo-goo it-teh koo-dah-sai
    Please go straight.
  • 右に曲がってください。
    mee-gee nee mah-gah-tteh koo-dah-sai
    Please turn right.
  • 左に曲がってください。
    hee-dah-ree nee mah-gah-tteh koo-dah-sai
    Please turn left.
  • ありがとうございます!
    ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas
    Thank you very much!
  • 助かりました。
    tah-skah-ree-mah-sh'tah
    You've been a great help.

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