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How to Say ‘You can use a transit IC card.’ in Japanese

交通系ICカードなら使えますよ。

koutsuu kei IC kaado nara tsukae masu yo

[KOH-tsoo KAY eye-see kah-doh nah-rah tsoo-kah-eh mahs yo]

💬 Usage Tip: Putting なら after a noun means "if it's that," and offers it as an alternative. Another example: 現金なら大丈夫です "Cash would be fine."

Phrase Breakdown

交通系ICカードなら

koutsuu kei IC kaado nara

if it's a transit IC card

交通系ICカード is a transit card like Suica, and なら means 'if it's'. Say it as 'koutsuukei ai shii kaado nara'.

Example

交通系ICカードなら便利です。

A transit IC card is convenient.

Words in this phrase

交通

koutsuu

[KOH-tsoo]

transportation

Traffic or transport; used in commuting terms.

Example

交通が便利です。

Transportation is convenient.

系

kei

[KAY]

type; system

Suffix meaning a category or group of something.

Example

理系の学生です。

I am a science student.

[eye-see]

Refers to the 'IC' in IC card, like rechargeable transit smart cards such as Suica or PASMO.

Example

ICカードは便利です。

IC cards are convenient.

カード

kaado

[kah-doh]

card (credit/debit/IC card)

Loanword; used for credit/debit cards and sometimes point cards (context tells).

Example

カードで支払います。

I’ll pay by card.

なら

nara

[nah-rah]

if it is; if; as for

Used to set a condition, often meaning 'if it is the case that...'

Example

午後3時までなら今日届けられます。

If it is by 3 p.m., it can be delivered today.

使えますよ。

tsukae masu yo

you can use it

This is the potential form of 使う plus よ. Say it as 'tsukaemasu yo'.

Example

ここでも使えますよ。

You can use it here too.

Words in this phrase

使え

tsukae

[tsoo-kah-eh]

can use

Stem form meaning to be able to use something.

Example

このお手洗いは使えますか。

Can this restroom be used?

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

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.

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