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Help 緊急 · Stop X03

緊急時

Emergency phrases in Japanese

Most trips never need this stop. But if something happens in Kyoto, or the ground starts shaking, these words bring help fast. Call for help, ask for an ambulance or the police, and find an evacuation shelter.

  • 京都駅 · Set in Kyoto Station
  • 6-minute lesson
  • Free in the app

Phrases

たすけて！

tasukete!

Help!casual

Shout it when you need help right now. When things are calmer, 助けてください (tasukete kudasai) is the polite form.

きゅうきゅうしゃをよんでください

kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai

Please call an ambulance.

Point at the person who needs help as you say it. You can also dial 119 yourself.

救急車をkyuukyuusha o · ambulance (object)呼んでyonde · callくださいkudasai · please (do)

けいさつをよんでください

keisatsu o yonde kudasai

Please call the police.

For theft, accidents or anyone threatening you. The police number is 110.

警察をkeisatsu o · police (object)呼んでyonde · callくださいkudasai · please (do)

ひなんじょはどこですか？

hinanjo wa doko desu ka?

Where is the evacuation shelter?

Shelters are often local schools. Look for signs saying 避難所 (shelter) or 避難場所 (evacuation area).

避難所はhinanjo wa · shelter (topic)どこdoko · whereですかdesu ka · is it?

だいじょうぶですか？

daijoubu desu ka?

Are you OK?

Check on someone who fell or looks unwell. If they answer 大丈夫です, they're fine.

大丈夫daijoubu · all rightですかdesu ka · are you?

きゅうきゅうです

kyuukyuu desu

It's a medical emergency.

Your answer when 119 asks 火事ですか、救急ですか？ For a fire, say 火事です (kaji desu).

救急kyuukyuu · emergencyですdesu · it is

What you’ll hear

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

kaji desu ka, kyuukyuu desu ka?

Is it a fire, or do you need an ambulance?

The first question when you call 119. Answer 救急です for an ambulance, or 火事です for a fire.

You

kyuukyuu desu

It's a medical emergency.

juusho o oshiete kudasai.

Please tell me the address.

The 119 or 110 operator needs to know where to send help. No address? Name a big landmark nearby.

You

Kyoto eki no mae desu

In front of Kyoto Station.

kinkyuu jishin sokuhou desu. tsuyoi yure ni keikai shite kudasai.

Earthquake early warning. Brace for strong shaking.

Blares from phones and TVs seconds before a big quake. Protect your head, get under a sturdy table and stay away from windows.

Culture tip

110, 119 and Earthquakes

Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire or ambulance. Calls are free from any phone, and 119 first asks 火事ですか、救急ですか？ In an earthquake, get under a sturdy table, stay away from windows, and don't rush outside while it's shaking.

“In Japan, you dial 110 for an ambulance.”

Practise scene

After the Quake

A street near Kyoto Station, just after a strong earthquake. People are stepping outside and looking around.

Mrs. Ito · Local resident

  1. Your turn: The shaking has stopped. An older woman next to you looks shaken. Check on her.

    daijoubu desu ka?

    Are you OK?

  2. hai, daijoubu desu. arigatou gozaimasu. mata yureru kamo shiremasen ne.

    Yes, I'm fine, thank you. There may be aftershocks.

  3. Your turn: You don't know where to go. Ask where the evacuation shelter is.

    hinanjo wa doko desu ka?

    Where is the evacuation shelter?

  4. kono saki no shougakkou desu. a, ano hito, kega o shite imasu yo!

    It's the elementary school just up the road. Oh! That man is hurt!

  5. Your turn: The man is bleeding and can't stand up. Ask her to call an ambulance.

    kyuukyuusha o yonde kudasai

    Please call an ambulance.

  6. wakarimashita. sugu ichi-ichi-kyuu ban ni denwa shimasu!

    Got it. I'll call 119 right now!

Phrases from Ekiben content v3