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How to Say ‘One person uses a wheelchair’ in Japanese

一人車椅子を使っておりまして

hitori kuruma isu o tsukatsu te ori mashi te

[hi-to-ri koo-ROO-mah isu wo tsoo-KAHT teh ori mah-shee teh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Mentioning this when you book is expected and appreciated. Many Japanese restaurants are small and have steps, so warning them ahead lets them prepare.

Phrase Breakdown

一人車椅子を

hitori kuruma isu o

one person (uses) a wheelchair

Read 'hitori kurumaisu o'. 一人 means 'one person (among us)'. Pause lightly after 'hitori'.

Example

一人車椅子を使います。

One person uses a wheelchair.

Words in this phrase

一人

hitori

[hi-to-ri]

one person

Refers to a single individual.

Example

私は一人で来ました。

I came alone.

車

kuruma

[koo-ROO-mah]

wheel; vehicle

Here it means wheel, forming part of the word 車椅子 (wheelchair).

Example

車椅子で来ます。

I will come in a wheelchair.

椅子

isu

[isu]

chair

Refers to a chair or seat.

Example

椅子に座ります。

I sit on a chair.

を

[wo]

direct object marker

Marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

本を読む。

Read a book.

使っておりまして

tsukatsu te ori mashi te

is using, and so...

Read 'tsukatte orimashite'. This is the humble connective form, used to explain a situation politely.

Example

杖を使っておりまして。

I use a cane, so...

Words in this phrase

使っ

tsukatsu

[tsoo-KAHT]

use

Te-form stem of 使う, to use.

Example

箸を使って食べます。

I eat using chopsticks.

て

[teh]

te-form ending

This ending connects actions, like 'cut and...' in instructions.

Example

てをつけると、つぎのどうさにつなげられます。

When you add -te, you can connect it to the next action.

おり

ori

[ori]

polite progressive

Indicates an ongoing action or state respectfully.

Example

勉強しております。

I am studying.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite verb ending part

Part of polite verb forms used in formal speech.

Example

丁寧に話しました。

I spoke politely.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

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