👉➡️🚫

How to Say ‘The thing is, that side is one-way.’ in Japanese

ただ、あちら側は一方通行なんですよ。

tada achiragawa wa ippou tsuukou na n desu yo

[TAH-dah ah-CHEE-rah-gah-wah wah EEP-poh TSOO-koh nah n dess yo]

💬 Usage Tip: ただ (tada) at the start means "the thing is" or "however". It's a soft way to introduce a problem or exception.

Phrase Breakdown

ただ、あちら側は

tada achiragawa wa

However, that side (over there)

'ただ' means 'however, but'. 'あちら側' means 'that side over there', and 'は' marks the topic. Pronounce 'は' as 'wa'.

Example

ただ、あちら側は混んでいます。

However, that side is crowded.

Words in this phrase

ただ

tada

[TAH-dah]

however; but

Conjunction adding a limitation to what was said.

Example

ただ、少し高いです。

However, it's a bit expensive.

あちら側

achiragawa

[ah-CHEE-rah-gah-wah]

that side; the other side

Polite word for the side over there.

Example

あちら側に渡ります。

I'll cross to that side.

は

[wah]

topic marker

は marks the topic of the sentence.

Example

空席はありますか。

Are there any seats available?

一方通行なんですよ。

ippou tsuukou na n desu yo

is a one-way street, you see.

'一方通行' means 'one-way traffic'. Hold the double consonant in 'ippou' and the long 'tsuukou'. 'なんですよ' gives an explanation in a friendly tone.

Example

この道は一方通行なんですよ。

This road is one-way, you see.

Words in this phrase

一方

ippou

[EEP-poh]

one way

One direction; combined with 通行 it means one-way traffic.

Example

この道は一方通行です。

This road is one-way.

通行

tsuukou

[TSOO-koh]

traffic; passage

Movement of vehicles or people along a road.

Example

通行止めです。

The road is closed.

な

[nah]

(copula before ん)

Form of だ used before explanatory ん after nouns.

Example

休みなんです。

It's that it's a day off.

ん

[n]

explanatory tone

ん adds an explanatory or noticing tone, like “so...” or “I see...”

Example

そう言うんですね。

So that’s how you say it, huh.

です

desu

[dess]

is; am; are

A basic polite copula used to say 'is/am/are.'

Example

田中です。

I am Tanaka.

よ

[yo]

you know; emphasis

Sentence-ending particle adding friendly emphasis or a light reminder. Very common in casual polite speech.

Example

今夜はこれからですよ。

Tonight is just getting started, you know.

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“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