Emergency Japanese: Key Words and Phrases for a Disaster

In an emergency, even a few words in Japanese can make a real difference. This short phrasebook covers the words you might hear on the radio or from neighbours, and the phrases you might need to say. Practise them a little now, and save this page so you can show it on your phone later.

Words you might hear

These are common terms used in warnings and announcements. Knowing them helps you understand what kind of danger is being reported.

Japanese	Romaji	English
地震	jishin	earthquake
津波	tsunami	tsunami
火事	kaji	fire
台風	taifu	typhoon
洪水	kozui	flood
停電	teiden	power outage
断水	dansui	water outage
避難	hinan	evacuation
避難所	hinanjo	evacuation shelter
危ない	abunai	dangerous / look out

Phrases you might need to say

These are short, useful sentences for asking for help or checking on others.

Japanese	Romaji	English
助けて！	Tasukete!	Help!
救急車を呼んでください	Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai	Please call an ambulance
火事です！	Kaji desu!	It's a fire!
大丈夫ですか？	Daijobu desu ka?	Are you okay?
日本語がわかりません	Nihongo ga wakarimasen	I don't understand Japanese
英語を話せますか？	Eigo o hanasemasu ka?	Can you speak English?
病院はどこですか？	Byoin wa doko desu ka?	Where is the hospital?
逃げて！	Nigete!	Run! / Escape!

Tips for being understood

You do not need perfect pronunciation. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Speak slowly and clearly, one short phrase at a time.
• Show the phrase on your phone screen. Pointing at the Japanese text is often easier than saying it.
• Use gestures and point to what you mean.
• When you call the emergency numbers (110 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance), interpretation support is often available. Stay on the line, say your language, and speak slowly.

Where to go next

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