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.

Words
10
Audio
Tap any speaker
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-kahExcuse 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 kahCould 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 wahI 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-kahWhere is the nearest 〇〇?
- ここから遠いですか?koh-koh kah-rah toh-ee des-kahIs it far from here?
- まっすぐ行ってください。mas-soo-goo it-teh koo-dah-saiPlease go straight.
- 右に曲がってください。mee-gee nee mah-gah-tteh koo-dah-saiPlease turn right.
- 左に曲がってください。hee-dah-ree nee mah-gah-tteh koo-dah-saiPlease turn left.
- ありがとうございます!ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-masThank you very much!
- 助かりました。tah-skah-ree-mah-sh'tahYou've been a great help.
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