Getting around
電車
まもなく、ドアが閉まります。
The doors are closing.
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.
Tokyo
Japan
Tokyo is Japan's capital, a wide city of wards, rail lines, and distinct neighbourhoods.
How the language is used
Japanese is the language of daily life, from the station to the corner shop.
In this city
- Language
- Japanese
- Also heard
- Mostly Japanese
- A local word
- すみません — Excuse me.
- Writing
- Japanese script
What people say
Ordinary lines from this city: the ride, the counter, the food, and the greeting.
The counter
コンビニ
これください。
This one, please.
This line is a whole order. You do not need a longer sentence.
Food
店
コーヒーを一つください。
One coffee, please.
The order is built in short pieces like this one.
The street
駅
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 Shimokitazawa, Yanaka, Shibuya, this is the ordinary sound of the day.
A first day in Tokyo can run on four lines: “まもなく、ドアが閉まります。”, “これください。”, “コーヒーを一つください。”, 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 Tokyo, the stop and the price are written down.
One local word: すみません. It means Excuse me..
Places you can see
- Sensō-ji — A busy temple in Asakusa, reached through a covered approach.
- Imperial Palace gardens — Grounds and gardens beside the palace in the centre.
- Shibuya crossing — A scramble crossing among department stores.
Food
You order noodles, rice bowls, and shop meals in Japanese.
Getting around
Trains and the metro are the way around. You read the line and ask the platform in Japanese.
Daily life
You buy a ticket, ask a platform, and thank staff 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… |
