Getting around
バス
次、止まります。
Next stop.
You hear this when the doors close or the next stop is called. It is written down too, so a missed word does not end the ride.
Kanazawa
Japan
Kanazawa is a castle town on the Sea of Japan, known for gardens and old districts.
How the language is used
Japanese is the language of the garden gate, the market, and the bus.
In this city
- Language
- Japanese
- Also heard
- Mostly Japanese
- A local word
- 金箔 — Gold leaf.
- Writing
- Japanese script
What people say
Ordinary lines from this city: the ride, the counter, the food, and the greeting.
The counter
市場
これください。
This one, please.
This line is a whole order. You do not need a longer sentence.
Food
庭
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
The order is built in short pieces like this one.
The street
店
すみません。
Excuse me.
People keep this line short. It is enough for the moment.
The language through the day
Japanese is the language from the station to the corner shop. Staff use polite forms. A shorter answer is still understood.
Around Kenrokuen, Omicho market, Higashi Chaya, this is the ordinary sound of the day.
A first day in Kanazawa can run on four lines: “次、止まります。”, “これください。”, “ありがとうございます。”, and “すみません。”. Each one is already a complete moment.
If you are new here
- Stops, prices, and shop signs are written in Japanese script.
- Staff use polite forms. A shorter answer from you is still understood.
- If a spoken line goes past you, read the screen or the board. In Kanazawa, the stop and the price are written down.
One local word: 金箔. It means Gold leaf..
Places you can see
- Kenroku-en — A large stroll garden beside the castle grounds.
- Higashi Chaya — A preserved tea-house district of wooden façades.
- Omicho Market — A covered market of seafood and produce.
Food
You eat seafood and local sweets. You name them and order in Japanese.
Getting around
Buses loop the centre. You ask the driver or read the sign in Japanese.
Daily life
You greet at a shop curtain, ask for a stall, and thank someone in Japanese.
A few everyday phrases
Japanese
| Phrase | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| ありがとう | Arigatō | Thank you |
| おはよう | Ohayō | Good morning |
| 私の名前は… | Watashi no namae wa… | My name is… |
