Easy Japanese by Emiko Konomi

Author:Emiko Konomi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Published: 2018-03-08T05:00:00+00:00

Jikan ga kakarimasu.

It takes time.

There are three expressions for approximation: -goro for an approximate point in time and -gurai and yaku- are for an approximate length of time or amount of things. Therefore, -jikan is used with -gurai or yaku while -ji is used with -goro.

sanji-goro

around 3:00

san-jikan gurai

about three hours

yaku san-jikan

about three hours

CULTURAL NOTE Taking Trains

Japan’s rail system is one of the most extensive in the world. It takes you almost anywhere in the country—on time! In big cities, many train and subway lines intertwine to make a complex network. Larger stations have multiple entrances/exits and transfers located blocks apart. All of the exits are named or numbered. Travel guides tell you which exit to take for local spots. You can follow the signs in most stations to the correct exit.

Determining your train fare from the fare maps and buying tickets at the ticket vending machines can be confusing. But you can bypass this altogether by purchasing a SUICA or PASMO Card. Just hold your card to the reader at the fare gates upon entry and exit and the correct fare will be deducted from your balance.

Using a smartphone while walking (aruki-sumaho 歩きスマホ) is particularly dangerous on the station platforms. Avoid this by all means. When the train arrives, do not stand in front of the door. Stand to one side to allow passengers to exit the car. Most passengers on Japanese trains are either reading, sleeping, or using smartphones. When having a conversation, keep your voice down. Talking on phones inside trains is prohibited. Keep your phone on silent mode or “manner mode” (manā-mōdo マナーモード). Do not eat or drink on the trains (except for Shinkansen or inter-regional travel trains). Try to minimize the space you occupy by keeping your belongings on your lap or close to your chest. Do not stretch your legs. Avoid the “Silver Seats” (shirubā shīto シルバーシート), which are designated for the handicapped and the elderly. Last but not least, there are no trash cans in most stations or on the streets, but should be more common in department stores or subway station restrooms. Wherever possible, recycle your cans and bottles—the bins should be beside the vending machines.

PATTERN PRACTICE 1

Cue:

Densha de daigaku ni ikimasu.

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