English in Tokyo
Most hotel staff, airport employees, and ticket counter workers in central Tokyo speak some English. Train station signs and announcements are bilingual (Japanese and English). However, in restaurants, local shops, pharmacies, and on buses, Japanese is the primary language. Staff at most venues are willing to help even if they do not speak English. Gestures, translation apps, and a few Japanese phrases go a long way. People in Tokyo are generally patient and helpful with foreign visitors.
About Japanese Pronunciation
Japanese pronunciation is consistent. Each syllable has equal stress and a flat intonation compared to English. Once you learn the sounds, you can pronounce any Japanese word.
Key pronunciation points:
- Vowels are short and crisp: "a" as in "father," "i" as in "ski," "u" as in "flute," "e" as in "let," "o" as in "note."
- Double vowels: Hold the sound longer. "oo" in "suroopu" (slope) is held twice as long as a single "o."
- The "r" sound: Japanese "r" is a light tap of the tongue, between an English "r" and "l." It is similar to the "tt" in the American pronunciation of "butter."
- "Tsu" sound: The "ts" is a single sound, as in "cats." "Tsunami" starts with this sound.
- Silent "u": The "u" at the end of "desu" and "masu" is often barely pronounced, sounding like "des" and "mas."
Accessibility and Mobility
These phrases cover the most common needs for wheelchair users and travelers with mobility limitations.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 車いすを使っています | Kuruma-isu wo tsukatte imasu | I use a wheelchair |
| バリアフリーですか? | Baria furii desu ka? | Is it barrier-free? |
| エレベーターはありますか? | Erebeetaa wa arimasu ka? | Is there an elevator? |
| スロープはありますか? | Suroopu wa arimasu ka? | Is there a ramp? |
| 助けてください | Tasukete kudasai | Help me, please |
| 多目的トイレはどこですか? | Tamokuteki toire wa doko desu ka? | Where is the accessible toilet? |
| ドアが狭すぎます | Doa ga sema-sugimasu | The door is too narrow |
| 車いすで入れますか? | Kuruma-isu de hairemasu ka? | Can I enter with a wheelchair? |
| 段差はありますか? | Dansa wa arimasu ka? | Are there any steps? |
Getting Help and Emergencies
Phrases for situations where you need immediate assistance.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 救急車を呼んでください | Kyuukyuusha wo yonde kudasai | Please call an ambulance |
| 警察を呼んでください | Keisatsu wo yonde kudasai | Please call the police |
| 具合が悪いです | Guai ga warui desu | I feel unwell |
| アレルギーがあります | Arerugii ga arimasu | I have an allergy |
| 薬局はどこですか? | Yakkyoku wa doko desu ka? | Where is the pharmacy? |
| 薬をなくしました | Kusuri wo nakushimashita | I have lost my medication |
| 英語を話せますか? | Eigo wo hanasemasu ka? | Do you speak English? |
| 病院に行きたいです | Byouin ni ikitai desu | I want to go to a hospital |
Transportation
Phrases for public transport, taxis, and asking for directions.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 車いす用のタクシーをお願いします | Kuruma-isu you no takushii wo onegai shimasu | I would like a wheelchair-accessible taxi |
| この駅にエレベーターはありますか? | Kono eki ni erebeetaa wa arimasu ka? | Does this station have an elevator? |
| スロープを出してください | Suroopu wo dashite kudasai | Please put out the ramp |
| 次の駅で降ります | Tsugi no eki de orimasu | I am getting off at the next station |
| ここに行きたいです | Koko ni ikitai desu | I want to go here (point to map or address) |
| 車いすをトランクに入れてください | Kuruma-isu wo toranku ni irete kudasai | Please put my wheelchair in the trunk |
Hotels and Dining
Phrases for checking in, asking about room features, and ordering at restaurants.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| バリアフリーの部屋を予約しました | Baria furii no heya wo yoyaku shimashita | I booked a barrier-free room |
| テーブル席はありますか? | Teeburu seki wa arimasu ka? | Do you have table seating? (not tatami) |
| 車いすで入れるレストランはありますか? | Kuruma-isu de haireru resutoran wa arimasu ka? | Is there a wheelchair-accessible restaurant? |
| お会計をお願いします | Okaikei wo onegai shimasu | The bill, please |
| この椅子をどけてもらえますか? | Kono isu wo dokete moraemasu ka? | Can you move this chair? |
| 一階にテーブルはありますか? | Ikkai ni teeburu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a table on the ground floor? |
Basic Courtesy
Everyday phrases that are appreciated by locals.
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello / Good afternoon |
| おはようございます | Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
| ありがとうございます | Arigatou gozaimasu | Thank you (polite) |
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me / I'm sorry |
| お願いします | Onegai shimasu | Please (when asking for something) |
| わかりません | Wakarimasen | I do not understand |
| 大丈夫です | Daijoubu desu | It's okay / I'm fine |
| さようなら | Sayounara | Goodbye |
Translation Apps
Google Translate and Apple Translate both work offline if you download the Japanese language pack before your trip. Both apps support camera translation, which is essential in Japan for reading menus, signs, and medication labels. Google Translate also supports real-time conversation mode where you speak English and it outputs Japanese, and vice versa. This is helpful for communicating with taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and hotel employees.
Pointing and Gestures Work Well
Japanese culture has a strong tradition of visual communication. Many restaurants have photo menus or plastic food displays (sampuru) in their windows. Pointing at what you want is perfectly acceptable. Train station staff are trained to use gesture-based communication with foreign visitors. If language is a barrier, showing your destination on a map or phone screen is effective.
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