Ekiben 駅弁
English (Australia)

Transit 移動 · Stop T02

何番線？

Which platform? Japanese for riding the train

Shinjuku is one of the busiest stations in the world. Let's make sure you get on the right train. Ask which platform, check where a train stops, and find out where to change.

  • 新宿駅 · Set in Shinjuku Station
  • 6-minute lesson
  • With Ekiben Pass

Phrases

このでんしゃはしぶやにいきますか？

kono densha wa Shibuya ni ikimasu ka?

Does this train go to Shibuya?

Swap in your destination. Point at the train and ask anyone on the platform.

Pattern: この電車は〜に行きますか？

この電車はkono densha wa · this train (topic)渋谷にShibuya ni · to Shibuya行きますかikimasu ka · does it go?

このでんしゃはしぶやにとまりますか？

kono densha wa Shibuya ni tomarimasu ka?

Does this train stop at Shibuya?

Express trains skip some stations, so this is the safer question.

Pattern: この電車は〜に止まりますか？

この電車はkono densha wa · this train (topic)渋谷にShibuya ni · at Shibuya止まりますかtomarimasu ka · does it stop?

なんばんせんですか？

nanbansen desu ka?

Which platform?

番線 (bansen) = platform number. Listen for a number followed by bansen.

何番線nanbansen · which platformですかdesu ka · is it?

どこでのりかえますか？

doko de norikaemasu ka?

Where do I change trains?

乗り換え (norikae) = transfer. You'll see it on station signs too.

どこでdoko de · where (at)乗り換えますかnorikaemasu ka · do I transfer?

つぎのでんしゃはなんじですか？

tsugi no densha wa nanji desu ka?

What time is the next train?

何時 (nanji) asks for a clock time. In big cities, trains often come every few minutes.

次のtsugi no · next電車はdensha wa · train (topic)何時nanji · what timeですかdesu ka · is it?

What you’ll hear

Staff talk fast. Here’s what they are likely to say at this stop, and a good answer.

mamonaku, nibansen ni densha ga mairimasu. kiiroi sen no uchigawa made osagari kudasai.

A train is arriving at platform 2. Please stand behind the yellow line.

Platform announcement just before a train pulls in. Not sure it's yours? Ask someone nearby.

You

kono densha wa Shibuya ni tomarimasu ka?

Does this train stop at Shibuya?

kono densha wa Shibuya ni wa tomarimasen.

This train doesn't stop at Shibuya.

Staff or a passenger answering your question. It's probably an express.

You

doko de norikaemasu ka?

Where do I change trains?

Shibuya houmen wa juuyonbansen desu.

Trains toward Shibuya leave from platform 14.

Station staff telling you which platform to use. 方面 means "toward".

You

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you.

Culture tip

Not Every Train Stops

Check the train type on the platform sign. 各駅停車 (kakueki teisha, local) stops at every station. 快速 (rapid), 急行 (express) and 特急 (limited express) skip some. Some limited expresses also need an extra ticket, so ask before you hop on.

“A 各駅停車 (local) train skips small stations.”

Practise scene

Platform Puzzle

Shinjuku Station at rush hour. You want to get to Shibuya and ask a staff member for help.

Mr. Kato · Station staff

  1. Your turn: You want to go to Shibuya. Ask which platform.

    Shibuya wa nanbansen desu ka?

    Which platform for Shibuya?

  2. Shibuya desu ne. Yamanote-sen no juuyonbansen desu.

    Shibuya? That's the Yamanote Line, platform 14.

  3. Your turn: A train pulls in at platform 14. Check that it stops at Shibuya.

    kono densha wa Shibuya ni tomarimasu ka?

    Does this train stop at Shibuya?

  4. hai, tomarimasu. mittsume no eki desu.

    Yes, it does. It's the third stop.

  5. Your turn: Oops, the doors closed before you got on. Ask when the next train is.

    tsugi no densha wa nanji desu ka?

    What time is the next train?

  6. daijoubu desu yo. Yamanote-sen wa suufun goto ni kimasu.

    Don't worry. Yamanote trains come every few minutes.

Phrases from Ekiben content v3