Key phrases
doko e where to?
ikimasu go
doko e ikimasu ka? where are you going?
Tanaka-san wa doko e ikimasuka? where are you going, Mr Tanaka?
watashi wa To‾ kyo‾ e ikimasu. I’m going to Tokyo
sayo‾nara goodbye
ja mata see you later
Listening and speaking
Konnichiwa. Sumisu-san wa doko e ikimasu ka?
Hello. Where are you going, Mr Smith?
Watashi wa Kyo‾to e ikimasu. I’m going to Kyoto.
Konnichiwa. Buraun-san wa doko e ikimasu ka?
Hello. Where are you going, Mr Brown?
Watashi wa O‾saka e ikimasu. I’m going to Osaka.
Ohayo‾ gozaimasu. Teira‾-san wa doko e ikimasu ka?
Good morning. Where are you going, Mrs Taylor?
Watashi wa To‾kyo‾eki e ikimasu. I’m going to Tokyo train station.
Conversation 1
Konnichiwa, Sumisu-san. Hello, Mr Smith.
Konnichiwa, Yamada-san. Hello, Mrs Yamada.
Sumisu-san wa doko e ikimasu ka?
Where are you going, Mr Smith?
Watashi wa Amerika e ikimasu. I’m going to the USA.
Yamada-san wa? And you, Mrs Yamada?
Watashi wa O‾sutoraria e ikimasu. I am going to Australia. shutcho‾desu. It’s a business trip.
So‾ desu ka. Sayo‾nara. Is that right? Goodbye.
Sayo‾nara. Goodbye.
NOTE
Double consonant sounds
Sometimes consonant sounds get doubled. These should be pronounced with a slight pause or a clipped sound.
e.g. chi-ke-tto is like “I’ve got to go”
Conversation 2
Sumimasen. Chiketto o kudasai. Excuse me. A ticket, please.
Doko e ikimasu ka? Where are you going?
Sumimasen. Mo‾ichido. Sorry. One more time.
Doko e ikimasu ka? Where are you going?
Watashi wa Kyo‾to e ikimasu. I’m going to Kyoto.
Hai. Yes (certainly).
Arigato–gozaimasu. Thank you.
LANGUAGE INFORMATION
Markers (2)
The markers ga and wa were introduced in Unit 2. Here are some others you’ll meet over the next few units.
e
…can show movement in a certain direction. It is often translated as “to”.
To‾kyo‾ e ikimasu
Tokyo (direction) go
de
…can indicate the tool/instrument you use to do something
basu de ikimasu
bus (by means of) go
o
…can mark the direct object of actions
bi¯ru o kudasai
beer (object) please give
CULTURAL INFORMATION
Onsen (Hot springs)
Onsen are a huge part of Japanese culture. Located all over the country, you pay a small entrance fee and can then relax in the natural hot water baths for as long as you like. Some onsen are indoors, some are outdoors, but all are very enjoyable and extremely good for you. You should shower and wash thoroughly before getting in. And be warned – no swimming costumes are allowed! Onsen are usually marked on maps and signs using the symbol: ♨