Asking for Directions
- 1すみません、すこしおじかんよろしいでしょうか。
すみません、少しお時間よろしいでしょうか。
Excuse me, do you have a moment?
- 2どうぞ、なにかおてつだいしましょうか？
どうぞ、何かお手伝いしましょうか？
Of course, how can I assist you?
- 3しんじゅくえきにはどういけばいいのでしょうか。
新宿駅にはどう行けばいいのでしょうか。
How can I get to Shinjuku Station?
- 4このとおりをまっすぐすすんで、ふたつめのしんごうをみぎにまがってください。
この通りをまっすぐ進んで、二つ目の信号を右に曲がってください。
Go straight on this street and turn right at the second traffic light.
- 5それから、えきはすぐひだりがわにありますよ。
それから、駅はすぐ左側にありますよ。
After that, the station will be immediately on your left.
- 6ありがとうございます、とてもたすかりました。
ありがとうございます、とても助かりました。
Thank you very much, that was very helpful.
- 7きをつけていってくださいね。
気をつけて行ってくださいね。
Please take care on your way.
Coaching notes
This dialogue is about asking for and giving directions in a polite manner. It involves a polite interaction between two strangers.
Pronunciation focus
- 少し (すこし) — Pay attention to the pitch accent, low-high
- どう行けば (どういけば) — Ensure the long vowel "どう" is audible
- 右に (みぎに) — Pronounce "に" clearly, without blending
- 信号 (しんごう) — Pay attention to the nasal "ん"
- 駅は (えきは) — The "は" is pronounced as "wa"
Rhythm & pacing
The dialogue has a polite and measured pace, allowing small pauses between each sentence for clarity.
Key grammar
- 〜てもよろしいでしょうか = Polite way to ask for permission
- 〜ばいいのでしょうか = Asking for advice or instruction
- 〜てください = Making a request or giving instructions
- すぐ = Indicating immediate proximity
Natural speech features
- よろしいでしょうか often sounds contracted in fast speech
- 〜て行ってください might sound like 〜てってください
Practice strategy
Listen twice at normal speed to catch natural intonation. Shadow each sentence separately focusing on pitch and politeness level, then shadow the entire dialogue at half speed.
Common mistakes
- Neglecting polite forms like です・ます endings
- Overlooking intonation on question endings
- Mispronouncing long vowels, such as in どう
- Failing to articulate small particles like に and は clearly
Practice shadowing on the go
The Kanji 360 app adds recording, playback comparison, and dozens more shadowing clips with stroke-order kanji and SRS review.