What are some polite ways to ask for directions in Japanese
Polite ways to ask for directions in Japanese commonly begin with courteous expressions like “すみません” (Sumimasen - Excuse me). Some useful examples include:
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すみません、この駅の入口はどこですか。 (Sumimasen, kono eki no iriguchi wa doko desu ka?) Excuse me, where is the entrance to this station?
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ちょっといいですか。渋谷駅はどこですか。 (Chotto ii desu ka. Shibuya Eki wa doko desu ka?) May I ask a bit? Where is Shibuya station?
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助けてもらえますか。空港までの行き方を教えてくれませんか。 (Tasukete moraemasu ka. Kūkō made no ikikata o oshiete kuremasen ka?) Will you help me? Can you show me the way to the airport?
In conversations, it’s polite to start with “すみません” (Excuse me) and end with “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much) to show gratitude.
For example:
- すみません。東京駅に行きたいです。どうやって行けますか？ (Sumimasen. Tōkyō Eki ni ikitai desu. Dōyatte ikemasu ka?) Excuse me. I want to go to Tokyo Station. How can I get there?
These polite phrases, along with respectful greetings and farewells, will help when asking directions in Japanese to show humility and respect.