Trains and IC cards
Most train trips start with an IC card such as Suica or PASMO. This lesson covers tickets, the gates, platforms and topping up, plus what the machines and announcements say. Announcements use very polite forms like : you only need to recognise them. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
G
24 station words
Each card shows a word, the form used and a sentence you'd say or hear at a station. Cards marked "heard" are what machines, staff and announcements say. Seven reuse words from Everyday Japanese 1 and 2.
M
Reading the station signs
The words you'll see on signs at the gates and on the platform.
| Sign | Meaning | Note |
|---|
- One card for everything. An IC card works on trains and buses in most cities, and in most convenience stores. Some rural lines still don't take them.
- Announcements are polite. = , = please step back. Recognise them; you never need to say them.
- on signs. means "bound for Tokyo". Announcements usually say ゆき; in conversation you'll also hear いき.
C
Four patterns to use today
Z
Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.