Asked for Directions in Japan? Now Actually Understand the Answer
To say straight / right / left in Japanese, say まっすぐ・右・左 (massugu / migi / hidari).
You asked a local for directions in Japanese… great. But do you understand the reply?
まっすぐ・右・左
massugu / migi / hidari
straight / right / left
In this video
- まっすぐ、右、左。 massugu, migi, hidari. Straight, right, left.
- まっすぐ行って、右です。 massugu itte, migi desu. Go straight, then it's on the right.
Why this phrase
Most content teaches how to ASK directions; almost none teaches decoding the answer. Give the tourist the three words – まっすぐ・右・左 – that unlock nearly any reply.
Up next
Survival
▶
Three Lines Get You Through Any Restaurant in Japan
Sumimasen, futari desu. Ohiya o onegaishimasu. Okaikei o onegaishimasu. · Excuse me, table for two. Water, please. The check, please.
Survival
▶
Japan Doesn't Hand You a Napkin. One Word Summons It
tishu arimasu ka? · Napkin, do you have one?
Beginner
▶
Two Snacks, One Cashier, No Clue. Ask Which One Everyone Buys.
docchi ga ninki desu ka? · Which one is more popular?
Survival
▶
You Know 'Wakarimasen'. Here's the One Word That Means the Opposite.
wakarimashita · Got it / understood
More phrases like this
- Winding Mountain Roads in Japan? Ask for This Before You Board. · yoidome wa arimasu ka?
- The Ramen Line Wraps the Block. Ten Minutes or an Hour? Ask This. · dono kurai machimasu ka?
- Got Directions in Japan but No Idea How Far? Ask This. · tōi desu ka?
- Phone Dead in Shibuya? The Two Words That Get You the Time · ima, nanji desu ka?
- The Magic Word for Getting Attention · sumimasen
- The Polite Way to Ask About English · eigo o hanasemasu ka?
- Is This Okay? · kore de ii desu ka?
- The Most Useful Phrase in All of Japan · onegai shimasu
- They Never Say Your Name. They Shout a Number. · bangō de oyobi shimasu
- Your Backpack Just Hit the Beam. That Sign Is Not the Temple's Name. · Zujō chūi
- That Little Card Owns the Table · yoyaku-seki
- The Bill Charged You for the Chair · Sekiryō
Get the free phrasebook
15 essential phrases for your trip — romaji included, zero studying.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.