At the pool: caps, showers and lanes
Public pools in Japan are cheap and clean, but they have rules: a swim cap, a shower first, lanes for different speeds and, at many pools, a break every hour. This lesson gives you the words on the signs and what the staff will say. Tap to hear any line. The bar at the bottom plays a hands-free drill for walking.
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25 words for the pool
Each card shows a word and a line you'd hear at reception, in the changing room or on the poolside. Five reuse words from Everyday Japanese 1–5.
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Pool rules: what the signs say
Most public pools have these signs. Staff and lifeguards are strict about them, especially the cap.
| Sign | Means | Note |
|---|
- Lanes are コース. Each lane has a purpose: walking, slow swimming, fast swimming. Pick the one that fits and keep to its pace.
- Tattoos. Some pools don't allow visible tattoos; others are fine if you cover them with a rash guard. Check before you go.
- The hourly break. Many pools stop for about ten minutes every hour, . A whistle blows and everyone gets out.
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Three patterns to use today
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Say it in Japanese
Say each one out loud before you reveal the answer. Getting close counts.