Japanese trains are clean, punctual, and easy to use — but the signs and announcements can be confusing for first-time visitors. This episode covers essential English phrases for helping foreign travelers navigate Japan’s train system!
🗣️ Matsu-nee & Nobio’s Conversation
Nobio: “Matsu-nee! A foreign tourist looks lost at the station. What should I say?”
Matsu-nee: “Just start with ‘Can I help you?’ — that’s enough to get things started! Then ask where they want to go and guide them from there.”
🚉 Scene①: Asking & Directions
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 何かお手伝いできますか？ | Can I help you? | |
| どこへ行きたいですか？ | Where would you like to go? | |
| この電車は〇〇行きです。 | This train goes to 〇〇. | |
| 〇〇駅で乗り換えてください。 | Please transfer at 〇〇 station. | |
| 3つ目の駅です。 | It’s the third stop. |
🎫 Scene②: Tickets & Gates
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| ICカードはお持ちですか？ | Do you have an IC card? | |
| 券売機はあちらです。 | The ticket machine is over there. | |
| 改札はこちらです。 | The ticket gate is this way. | |
| Suicaは全国で使えます。 | Suica can be used nationwide. | |
| 1日乗車券はいかがですか？ | Would you like a one-day pass? |
🚃 Scene③: In-Train Announcements & Manners
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 次は〇〇駅です。 | The next stop is 〇〇 station. | |
| 車内では静かにお願いします。 | Please be quiet inside the train. | |
| 優先席です。 | This is a priority seat. | |
| 電話はご遠慮ください。 | Please refrain from using your phone. | |
| 間もなく発車します。 | The train will depart shortly. |
⚠️ Scene④: Delays & Trouble
| Japanese | English Phrase | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 電車が遅れています。 | The train is delayed. | |
| 約10分の遅れです。 | There is approximately a 10-minute delay. | |
| 忘れ物はありませんか？ | Please make sure you have all your belongings. | |
| 落とし物係に届けてください。 | Please take it to the lost and found. | |
| ご不便をおかけします。 | We apologize for the inconvenience. |
📚 More in This Series
📖 Episode 1: Restaurant Phrases
📖 Episode 2: Convenience Store Phrases
📖 Episode 3: Train Phrases (this page)