Getting around
地下鉄
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.
How the language is used
Japanese is the language of the street. Winter talk and daily errands both use it.
In this city
- Language
- Japanese
- Also heard
- Mostly Japanese
- A local word
- スープカレー — One soup curry.
- Writing
- Japanese script
What people say
Ordinary lines from this city: the ride, the counter, the food, and the greeting.
Food
店
スープカレー一つ。
One soup curry.
The order is built in short pieces like this one.
The street
街
すみません。
Excuse me.
People keep this line short. It is enough for the moment.
The counter
冬
寒いですね。
It's cold, isn't it?
This line is a whole order. You do not need a longer sentence.
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 Odori, Susukino, Sapporo Station, this is the ordinary sound of the day.
A first day in Sapporo can run on four lines: “次、止まります。”, “スープカレー一つ。”, “すみません。”, and “寒いですね。”. 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 Sapporo, the stop and the price are written down.
One local word: スープカレー. It means One soup curry..
Places you can see
- Odori Park — A long park that runs through the centre.
- Sapporo Clock Tower — A small historic clock tower near the park.
- Mt. Moiwa — A mountain viewpoint above the city.
Food
You try miso ramen and soup curry. You order them in Japanese.
Getting around
The subway has a few lines, and buses fill the gaps. You ask the stop in Japanese.
Daily life
You greet, order, and ask the way in Japanese, including on a cold day.
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… |
