Free guide · 5 min read
Japanese for emergencies
The phrases you hope not to use - feeling ill, getting lost, needing help - plus how to ask for someone who speaks English. Worth reading once before you go.
In a real emergency, dial 110 for police or 119 for fire and ambulance. These phrases are for the everyday version: a lost wallet, a bad stomach, a wrong turn after dark.
Rōmaji help
Getting help
たすけてください。
tasukete kudasai.
Please help me.
えいごが はなせる ひとは いますか。
eigo ga hanaseru hito wa imasu ka.
Is there someone who speaks English?
けいさつを よんでください。
keisatsu o yonde kudasai.
Please call the police.
Why it works
えいごが はなせる ひとは いますか buys you a translator and de-escalates instantly. In a hotel or big station there's almost always someone.
Feeling unwell / lost
きぶんが わるいです。
kibun ga warui desu.
I feel sick / unwell.
びょういんは どこですか。
byōin wa doko desu ka.
Where is the hospital?
みちに まよいました。
michi ni mayoimashita.
I'm lost.
Why it works
びょういんは どこですか reuses the どこですか pattern - the same tool, pointed at a hospital. Save your accommodation's address in Japanese on your phone to show if you're truly lost.
These phrases get built into real conversation in the 90 day course. The first week needs no account.