🚪1️⃣🪜

How to Say ‘There is a single step at the entrance’ in Japanese

入口に一段だけ段差がございまして

iriguchi ni itsu dan dake dansa ga gozai mashi te

[iriguchi nee ee-chee dahn dah-keh DAHN-sah ga goh-zah-ee mah-shee teh]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Even a single step at the entrance is very common in Japan, especially in older buildings and small restaurants. Staff will often mention it up front.

Phrase Breakdown

入口に

iriguchi ni

at the entrance

Read 'iriguchi ni'. 入口 means 'entrance' and に marks the location.

Example

入口に集まってください。

Please gather at the entrance.

Words in this phrase

入口

iriguchi

[iriguchi]

entrance

The place of entering.

Example

入口はこちらです。

The entrance is this way.

に

[nee]

in; at; to

Particle indicating location or target state.

Example

手元に置きたいです。

I want to keep it at hand.

一段だけ

itsu dan dake

only one step

Read 'ichidan dake'. It tells how many steps there are.

Example

一段だけです。

It's just one step.

Words in this phrase

一

itsu

[ee-chee]

one

一 means one. With counters, its reading changes depending on the word that follows.

Example

一杯ください。

One cup, please.

段

dan

[dahn]

step; counter for steps

Counter for stairs or steps.

Example

階段を三段上ります。

I climb three steps.

だけ

dake

[dah-keh]

only; just

Shows limitation, meaning 'only' or 'just' that thing and nothing more.

Example

今日は手続きだけします。

Today, I will only do the procedure.

段差がございまして

dansa ga gozai mashi te

there is a step, and so...

Read 'dansa ga gozaimashite'. This is a humble, polite way to explain the situation.

Example

少し段差がございまして。

There's a small step, so...

Words in this phrase

段差

dansa

[DAHN-sah]

step; difference in level

An uneven spot or step between floor levels.

Example

段差に気をつけてください。

Please watch your step.

が

[ga]

subject marker

A particle marking the subject of the sentence.

Example

興味がある分野を教えてください。

Please tell me the field you are interested in.

ござい

gozai

[goh-zah-ee]

to be / there is (honorific part)

Part of a very polite expression, often used in customer service language.

Example

ありがとうございますのございは丁寧さを出します。

The goza-i part of arigatou gozaimasu adds politeness.

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.

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