Traveling to Japan can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for any situation. Knowing basic emergency and safety-related phrases in Japanese can make a significant difference in how effectively you handle unforeseen circumstances. In this article, we’ll cover some important phrases and vocabulary that could be useful in various emergency situations.
助けてください (Tasukete kudasai) – Please help me.
道に迷いました、助けてください。
This phrase is crucial in attracting immediate attention when you need help, whether you are lost, injured, or in a distressing situation.
緊急事態 (Kinkyū jitai) – Emergency.
これは緊急事態です。
Use this term to indicate that there is an urgent, critical situation that needs immediate attention.
救急車 (Kyūkyūsha) – Ambulance.
救急車を呼んでください！
This is the term for ambulance, which is essential to know if you or someone else requires medical attention and needs to be transported to a hospital.
消防車 (Shōbōsha) – Fire truck.
火事です！消防車を呼んでください！
In the event of a fire, this is the word to use to alert people that you need a fire truck.
警察 (Keisatsu) – Police.
警察を呼んでください、盗難が発生しました。
This term is used when you need to contact the police, whether it’s for theft, an accident, or any other crime-related situation.
危険 (Kiken) – Danger.
その地域は危険です。
Use this word to warn others of immediate danger or to inquire if a place is safe.
避難所 (Hinanjo) – Evacuation shelter.
避難所はどこですか？
This is the term for an evacuation shelter, useful in natural disasters or when you need to find a safe location.
安全 (Anzen) – Safety.
この場所は安全ですか？
This word is used to refer to safety or to inquire if an environment or situation is secure.
火災 (Kasai) – Fire.
火災が発生しました、すぐに避難してください。
It’s crucial to know this word to alert others about a fire or understand when others alert you.
地震 (Jishin) – Earthquake.
地震が来ました！
Given Japan’s geographic location, knowing this word can be essential for understanding when an earthquake occurs.
救助 (Kyujo) – Rescue.
救助が必要です！
This term is used when immediate rescue assistance is needed.
応急処置 (Ōkyū shochi) – First aid.
応急処置キットはどこにありますか？
Knowing this phrase can be helpful in seeking or offering basic medical assistance until professional help arrives.
通報 (Tsūhō) – Report (an incident).
事故を通報しましたか？
This is used to ask if an incident has been reported or to inform someone that you are reporting an incident.
非常口 (Hijōguchi) – Emergency exit.
非常口はどこですか？
In buildings, especially in unfamiliar places, it’s important to know how to ask for the emergency exit.
落ち着いてください (Ochitsuite kudasai) – Please calm down.
みんな、落ち着いてください！
This phrase can be used to soothe or calm others down in a tense or emergency situation.
助けが来ています (Tasuke ga kite imasu) – Help is on the way.
大丈夫、助けが来ています。
Reassuring someone in distress that help is on the way can be very comforting.
Understanding these phrases not only prepares you for emergencies but also helps in building a safer environment for yourself and others around you while in Japan. Remember, it’s always better to be over-prepared, especially in a foreign country.
