01
City hall counter
When you do not know which window or document is next.
すみません、この手続きはどこでできますか。
Excuse me, where can I do this procedure?
Use first at ward/city office before explaining the whole story.
Language survival
Scenario Japanese cards
15 practical cards for city hall, hospital, housing, transport, school, phone calls, and emergency moments. These are not language lessons; they are ready-to-use phrases for high-friction situations.
Updated: 2026-05-04For foreigners in Japan with weak Japanese
Boundary: these cards help you ask for the next step. They are not official translations, legal advice, medical advice, immigration advice, contract advice, or emergency dispatch. For urgent danger in Japan, call 119 for ambulance/fire or 110 for police.
02
City hall written explanation
When oral instructions are too fast.
必要なものを書いていただけますか。
Could you write down what I need?
Written next steps reduce translation mistakes.
03
Hospital reception
When visiting a clinic or hospital for the first time.
初診です。予約はしていません。
This is my first visit. I do not have an appointment.
Bring health insurance card and residence card if you have them.
04
Hospital symptoms
When you need to describe a symptom simply.
ここが痛いです。いつからか分かりません。
It hurts here. I am not sure when it started.
Point to the body part. Do not guess if you are unsure.
05
Pharmacy
When receiving medicine instructions.
飲み方を簡単に書いてください。
Please write the instructions simply.
Ask before leaving the pharmacy counter.
06
Train station
When you are lost or a line is delayed.
この駅に行きたいです。どの電車に乗ればいいですか。
I want to go to this station. Which train should I take?
Show the station name on your phone.
07
Restaurant
When you need a simple allergy or ingredient check.
これは何が入っていますか。アレルギーがあります。
What is in this? I have an allergy.
For serious allergies, use a translated allergy card too.
08
Supermarket or shop
When you cannot find an item.
これはどこにありますか。
Where can I find this?
Show a picture or product name if possible.
09
Delivery notice
When a package was missed.
再配達をお願いしたいです。
I would like to request redelivery.
Keep the delivery notice; the tracking number is important.
10
Bank counter
When opening an account or asking about a form.
口座を作りたいです。必要な書類を教えてください。
I would like to open an account. Please tell me the required documents.
Banks may ask for address, phone number, work or school status.
11
Apartment viewing
Before applying for a rental apartment.
外国人でも申込できますか。
Can foreigners apply?
Ask early so you do not waste time on a listing that will not accept you.
12
Rental contract
Before signing or paying initial costs.
この費用の内訳を見せてください。
Please show me the breakdown of these costs.
Do not rely only on a verbal total.
13
Phone call
When the other person speaks too fast.
日本語が少ししか話せません。ゆっくり話してください。
I only speak a little Japanese. Please speak slowly.
If it still fails, ask for email or written contact.
14
School or nursery
When you need to understand a notice about your child.
このお知らせの大事なところを教えてください。
Please tell me the important part of this notice.
Use for school letters, nursery forms, and deadline notices.
15
Emergency help
When you need immediate help from people nearby.
助けてください。救急車を呼んでください。
Please help me. Please call an ambulance.
For immediate danger in Japan, call 119 for ambulance/fire or 110 for police.
NOT AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT SOURCE · For practical guidance only.