日 nihongo.co.jp
Home Learn Travel Games Contact
Train and station survival

Station Japanese: the words that help you move through Japan with less panic.

Stations can feel huge, but the language repeats. Learn exits, entrances, tickets, platforms, and one or two train questions, and the whole system becomes less intimidating.

Five quick win station lessons

えき
eki
station
Example: 駅はどこですか。
Eki wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When asking where the station is.
でぐち
deguchi
exit
Example: 出口はどこですか。
Deguchi wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: In stations, malls, and public buildings.
いりぐち
iriguchi
entrance
Example: 入口はこちらです。
Iriguchi wa kochira desu.
When to use it: When following station or building signs.
きっぷ
kippu
ticket
Example: 切符をください。
Kippu o kudasai.
When to use it: When buying a paper ticket.
ホーム
hoomu
platform
Example: 何番ホームですか。
Nanban hoomu desu ka.
When to use it: When finding where to board.

Three important station phrases

なんばんホームですか。
Nanban hoomu desu ka.
Which platform is it?
Example: 何番ホームですか。
Nanban hoomu desu ka.
When to use it: When you know the train but not the platform.
このでんしゃはとうきょうへいきますか。
Kono densha wa Toukyou e ikimasu ka.
Does this train go to Tokyo?
Example: この電車は東京へ行きますか。
Kono densha wa Toukyou e ikimasu ka.
When to use it: When confirming you are on the right train.
でぐちはどこですか。
Deguchi wa doko desu ka.
Where is the exit?
Example: 出口はどこですか。
Deguchi wa doko desu ka.
When to use it: When trying to leave on the correct side.