- Japanese Vocabulary for Car Parts
- Japanese Vocabulary for Traffic Signs
- Japanese Road Safety & Law Terms
- Essential Driving Phrases in Japanese
- Tips for Driving in Japan as a Foreigner
- Ready to Drive in Japan?
If you plan to drive in Japan—whether as a tourist, resident, or new license holder—understanding key Japanese driving vocabulary is essential. Road signs, traffic rules, and car-related terms can be confusing if you're not familiar with the language. This guide will help you build your confidence behind the wheel and navigate Japan’s roads with ease.
Japanese Vocabulary for Car Parts
Here are 10 essential car parts you’ll need to know when driving or dealing with maintenance in Japan:
|
English |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Car |
車 |
Kuruma |
|
Steering wheel |
ハンドル |
Handoru |
|
Brake |
ブレーキ |
Burēki |
|
Accelerator |
アクセル |
Akuseru |
|
Tire |
タイヤ |
Taiya |
|
Engine |
エンジン |
Enjin |
|
Seatbelt |
シートベルト |
Shītoberuto |
|
Headlights |
ヘッドライト |
Heddoraito |
|
Rearview mirror |
バックミラー |
Bakkumirā |
|
Windshield wiper |
ワイパー |
Waipā |
Find out more about Japanese automotive vocabulary
Japanese Vocabulary for Traffic Signs
Recognizing road signs is vital. Below are 10 common Japanese traffic signs and their meanings:
|
Sign Meaning |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Stop |
止まれ |
Tomare |
|
No Entry |
進入禁止 |
Shin'nyū kinshi |
|
Speed Limit |
制限速度 |
Seigen sokudo |
|
Pedestrian Crossing |
横断歩道 |
Ōdan hodō |
|
One-way |
一方通行 |
Ippō tsūkō |
|
Yield |
譲れ |
Yuzure |
|
No Parking |
駐車禁止 |
Chūsha kinshi |
|
Slow Down |
徐行 |
Jokō |
|
School Zone |
学校区域 |
Gakkō kuiki |
|
U-turn Prohibited |
転回禁止 |
Tenkai kinshi |
💡 Want more vocabulary like this? Check out our article on Japanese Transportation Vocabulary
Japanese Road Safety & Law Terms
Learn the basic legal and safety terms used in road manuals or by police officers:
|
Term |
Japanese |
Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Driver’s license |
運転免許証 |
Unten menkyo-shō |
|
Speeding |
スピード違反 |
Supīdo ihan |
|
Traffic accident |
交通事故 |
Kōtsū jiko |
|
Drunk driving |
飲酒運転 |
Inshu unten |
|
Insurance |
保険 |
Hoken |
|
Seatbelt law |
シートベルト法 |
Shītoberuto hō |
|
Traffic light |
信号 |
Shingō |
|
Right-of-way |
優先権 |
Yūsenken |
|
Road law |
道路交通法 |
Dōro kōtsū hō |
|
Emergency vehicle |
緊急車両 |
Kinkyū sharyō |
Essential Driving Phrases in Japanese
-
道に迷いました。助けてくれますか？
Michi ni mayoimashita. Tasukete kuremasu ka?
“I’m lost. Can you help me?”
→ 店員: どこに行きたいですか？ (Where are you trying to go?) - 駐車場はどこですか？
Chūshajō wa doko desu ka?
“Where is the parking lot?”
- スピード制限は何キロですか？
Supīdo seigen wa nan kiro desu ka?
“What is the speed limit here?”
→ 警察: 時速50キロです。 (It’s 50 km/h.)
- 免許証を見せてください。
Menkyo-shō o misete kudasai.
“Please show your driver’s license.”
→ あなた: はい、こちらです。 (Yes, here it is.)
- この道は一方通行ですか？
Kono michi wa ippō tsūkō desu ka?
“Is this a one-way street?”
- 交通事故がありました。警察を呼んでください。
Kōtsū jiko ga arimashita. Keisatsu o yonde kudasai.
“There’s been an accident. Please call the police.”
- ガソリンスタンドは近くにありますか？
Gasorin sutando wa chikaku ni arimasu ka?
“Is there a gas station nearby?”
- 車が故障しました。助けが必要です。
Kuruma ga koshō shimashita. Tasuke ga hitsuyō desu.
“My car broke down. I need help.”
- この標識の意味は何ですか？
Kono hyōshiki no imi wa nan desu ka?
“What does this sign mean?”
- 左側通行ですよね？
Hidarigawa tsūkō desu yo ne?
“We drive on the left side here, right?”
Tips for Driving in Japan as a Foreigner
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- A valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is required.
- Always stop at railroad crossings, even if there’s no train.
- Obey speed limits strictly—speed cameras are common.
- Use polite Japanese when stopped by police or asking for directions.
Ready to Drive in Japan?
Understanding Japanese driving vocabulary makes a big difference when it comes to confidence, safety, and legal compliance. Whether you're applying for a license, reading traffic signs, or just navigating local streets, these words and phrases will empower you to drive smart.
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📚 Explore more vocab guides like our Japanese Shopping Vocabulary.
