
Asking for directions: Directions to the hotel
Get Full LessonPractice pronunciation and master this lesson with smart-repetition via the PrettyFluent App
Key Phrases
すみません
sumi mase n
Excuse me
教えていただけますか
oshie te itadake masu ka
Could you tell me
左に曲がってください
hidari ni magatsu te kudasai
Turn left
Skills You'll Learn
Asking for directions
方向を尋ねる
houkou o tazuneru
Understanding traffic instructions
交通指示を理解する
koutsuu shiji o rikai suru
Expressing gratitude
感謝の気持ちを表現する
kansha no kimochi o hyougen suru
Lesson Roleplay
Imagine you are walking in a town in Japan and need directions to your hotel. You approach a local for help, asking the way to the Sunshine Hotel. The local gives you clear instructions on how to get there, indicating specific turning points and assuring you of its proximity. The conversation concludes with a friendly exchange of thanks and well wishes for your journey.
すみません、ホテルへの道を教えていただけますか?
sumi mase n hoteru e no michi o oshie te itadake masu ka
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the hotel?
もちろんです。どのホテルですか?
mochiron desu dono hoteru desu ka
Of course. Which hotel is it?
サンシャインホテルです。
sanshain hoteru desu
It's the Sunshine Hotel.
サンシャインホテルですね。ここからまっすぐ行って、二つ目の信号を左に曲がってください。
sanshain hoteru desu ne koko kara massugu itsu te futa tsu me no shingou o hidari ni magatsu te kudasai
The Sunshine Hotel, right? Go straight from here and turn left at the second traffic light.
はい、わかりました。それからどのくらいですか?
hai wakari mashi ta sore kara dono kurai desu ka
Okay, got it. How far is it from there?
Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases
すみません
sumi mase n
Excuse me
💬 Used to apologize or gently get someone's attention.
🇯🇵 Politeness is key in Japan; use this phrase often to be polite.
See breakdown →教えて
oshie te
Teach me
💬 Short form to ask someone to explain or teach something.
🇯🇵 Visitors often use this when asking for directions or understanding cultural nuances.
See breakdown →いただけますか
itadake masu ka
Could you please
💬 A polite request form, often combined with another verb.
🇯🇵 Making humble requests is highly appreciated in Japanese culture.
See breakdown →教えていただけますか
oshie te itadake masu ka
Could you tell me
💬 A formal way to ask for information.
🇯🇵 This allows you to maintain a respectful tone, essential in Japan.
See breakdown →への道を
e no michi o
The way to
💬 Used when specifying a destination.
🇯🇵 Often followed by the name of the place you're trying to reach.
See breakdown →ホテル
hoteru
Hotel
💬 Pronounced almost exactly like ‘hotel’ in English.
🇯🇵 Western-style hotels are common in urban areas of Japan.
See breakdown →もちろんです
mochiron desu
Of course
💬 Adds reassurance when giving or receiving instructions.
🇯🇵 Conveys willingness to assist someone in need.
See breakdown →どの
dono
Which
💬 Used when asking for details about options.
🇯🇵 Helpful in clarifying specifics, such as locations or items.
See breakdown →です
desu
It's
💬 Universal ending for state-of-being in Japanese.
🇯🇵 Key component in forming polite sentences.
See breakdown →Learn this vocabulary list the easy way
Get PrettyFluent for smart practice & lasting retention
More from "Asking for directions"
Similar Japanese Lessons

Essential communication
Top 50 phrases to get by Japan

Getting around and shopping
Top 50 phrases to get by Japan

Dining out
Top 50 phrases to get by Japan

Weekend plans
Small talk

The weather
Small talk

Travel plans
Small talk
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
What Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager