How to Say ‘It takes ~ (time).’ in Japanese
〜かかります。
kakari masu
[kah-kah-ree mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: Use a time before it: [五分かかります。] / [三十分ぐらいかかります。]
🇯🇵 In Japan: For train routes, locals might also include transfers: “It takes 15 minutes, plus one transfer.”
Phrase Breakdown
かかり
kakari
[kah-kah-ree]
take (time/money); cost (stem)
Used when stating the required time/cost. Often preceded by a time phrase: “五分かかります.”
駅まで五分かかります。
It takes five minutes to the station.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending (present/future)
Polite ending for giving an estimate to someone (e.g., a traveler asking directions).
ここから地下鉄の駅まで十分かかります。
From here to the subway station takes 10 minutes.
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