Asking for Directions
- 1すみません、このあたりでコンビニはどこですか？
すみません、この辺りでコンビニはどこですか？
Excuse me, where is the convenience store around here?
- 2このみちをまっすぐいって、しんごうをみぎにまがるとありますよ。
この道をまっすぐ行って、信号を右に曲がるとありますよ。
Go straight on this road and turn right at the traffic light.
- 3しんごうまでなんぷんくらいかかりますか？
信号まで何分くらいかかりますか？
How many minutes does it take to reach the traffic light?
- 4あるいて５ふんくらいですよ。
歩いて５分くらいですよ。
About 5 minutes on foot.
- 5ありがとうございます。たすかりました
ありがとうございます。助かりました
Thank you very much. That was helpful.
- 6どういたしまして。きをつけていくくださいね。
どういたしまして。気をつけて行ってくださいね。
You're welcome. Please be careful.
Coaching notes
A polite interaction, asking for and giving directions. Friendly and helpful atmosphere.
Pronunciation focus
- すみません (sumimasen) — Emphasize the clear ん sound at the end
- この辺り (このあたり) — Pay attention to the pitch drop on 辺
- まっすぐ (massugu) — Double っ needs to be pronounced with a slight pause
- 信号 (しんごう) — Note the extended vowel 'o' in ごう
- どういたしまして (douitashimashite) — Be careful of the rapid and smooth flow
Rhythm & pacing
The dialogue alternates between questions and responses, each with its natural pause, making for a balanced and rhythmic flow.
Key grammar
- 〜して = implies 'please do'
- 〜けて = adds a tone of caution or care
- 〜から = 'from,' indicating direction or sequence
- 〜とあります = 'is located at,' indicating location
Natural speech features
- The phrase どういたしまして is often read in a more fluid and abbreviated manner in casual speech.
Practice strategy
Listen twice before trying to shadow. Pay attention to the transition between questions and replies, especially focusing on the pitch and pause.
Common mistakes
- Omitting the double consonant in まっすぐ
- Misplacing the pitch in すみません
- Overlooking the extended vowel in 信号
- Skipping rhythmic pauses between sentences
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.