📍❓

How to Say ‘Where to?’ in Japanese

どちらまでですか。

dochira made desu ka

[doh-chee-rah mah-deh dess ka]

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard opening line from a Japanese taxi driver once you're in. The rear door opens and closes automatically, so don't slam it yourself.

Phrase Breakdown

どちらまで

dochira made

to where

どちら (dochira) is a polite word for 'where'. まで (made) means 'up to' or 'as far as'. Taxi drivers use this phrase to ask where you are going.

Example

どちらまで行きますか。

Where are you going?

Words in this phrase

どちら

dochira

[doh-chee-rah]

which (polite); where (polite)

Polite form meaning ‘which’ or ‘where.’ Often used in questions like どちらですか (Which is it?/Where are you from?).

Example

ごしゅっしんはどちらですか。

Where are you from? (polite)

まで

made

[mah-deh]

to; as far as

Shows the destination limit: 'to the hotel.'

Example

ホテルまでお願いします。

To the hotel, please.

ですか。

desu ka

is it? (question ending)

です (desu) is the polite 'is', and か (ka) turns the sentence into a question. Pronounce it 'des-ka', with the 'u' almost silent.

Example

駅ですか。

Is it the station?

Words in this phrase

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

か

[ka]

question particle

Indicates a question with previous verb.

Example

飲みませんか？

Won't you drink?

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