25 common and (really) useful Kanji for travellers
Japan has always been one of the favourite destinations of almost everyone in the world. Even though tens of thousands of visitors are going in and out of Japan every day, you might still encounter situations when knowing a few Japanese words or Kanji can be useful. From a linguistic point of view, it’s always good if you learn Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji altogether. However, it’s not necessary to achieve, say, JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) level 3 just for your trip.
Most of the signs in big cities like Tokyo have English translations. Nonetheless, you may still find some signs or instructions only in Japanese, yes, even in Tokyo. What if your travel to smaller towns like Nara or Beppu? I guess I don’t need to explain further.
The Kanji list below may come in handy for travellers (based on my own experience).
- 入口 (いりぐち iri-guchi) — entrance
2. 出口 (でぐち de-guchi)= exit
3. 改札口 (かいさつぐち kai-satsu-guchi) = ticket gate
4. 駅 (えき e-ki) = station
5. 電車 (でんしゃ den-sha) = train
6. 地下鉄 (ちかてつ chi-ka-tetsu) = subway
7. 準備中 (じゅんびちゅう jun-bi-chuu) = in preparation (means, the shop/restaurant is not open yet)
8. 営業中 (えいぎょうちゅう ei-gyou-chuu) = open (for business)
9. お湯 (おゆ o-yu) = hot water
10. お手洗い (おてあらい o-te-ara-i)/トイレ (to-i-re)= restroom, toilet
11. 辛い (からい karai) = hot, spicy
12. 料金 (りょうきん ryou-kin) = fee, fare, charge
13. 入場料 (にゅうじょうりょう nyuu-jou-ryou)= entrance fee
14. 無料 (むりょう mu-ryou) = free of charge
*did you recognise the 料 from 料金?
15. 価格 (かかく ka-kaku) = price
16. 定価 (ていか tei-ka) = list price, fixed price
17. 半額 (はんがく han-kaku) = half-price
18. 女 (おんな onna) = female
19. 男 (おとこ otoko) = male
20. 右 (みぎ migi) = right (direction)
21. 左 (ひだり hidari) = left
22. 非常口 (ひじょうぐち hi-jou-guchi) = emergency exit
23. 禁止 (きんし kin-shi) = forbid, prohibit, ban
24. 注意 (ちゅうい chuu-i) = caution
25. 薬 (くすり kusuri) = medicine
BONUS! (confession: my favourite)
- 拉麺 (ラーメン or らーめん are commonly seen)= ramen!
- 寿司 (すし su-shi) = sushi
Planning a trip to Japan? (You will never regret btw!) Learn these Kanji before your trip, or take note and bring them with you; trust me, they will be helpful!
Check out Eggbun too, to learn Japanese with the Chatbot tutor- Lanny before your trip.
